Former India player Aakash Chopra has added that IPL 2025 will witness the iconic rivalry between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 23, exactly a month after India and Pakistan match in the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, he added that MI might miss the services of Hardik Pandya in the crunch match as well.

Reflecting on the IPL 2025 schedule in a video shared on his YouTube channel ‘Aakash Chopra,’ he said, “It seems like the date 23rd has become interesting. When a match happens on February 23, it’s India-Pakistan and everyone knows where they need to tune in. Similarly, no one will have to be told that it’s Chennai vs Mumbai in Chennai on March 23. It’s been heard that Hardik Pandya might not be available. He probably has a one-match over-rate suspension, which he will have to serve in the first game. I am waiting for an official confirmation. I went through a few websites and it’s written there that he won’t be available.”

However, Aakash Chopra also stated that the edgy clash between MI and CSK will be seen twice in the IPL 2025 league phase as well.

“When you look at Mumbai and Chennai, of course, it’s a match with a lot of needle. Mumbai, of course, have very good numbers in Chennai. They have done very well, but will that be the case this time? That’s a big question. Another interesting thing is that Chennai and Mumbai will play twice. However, Mumbai will play only once against RCB, although that’s also a good match. If I remember correctly, they played only once last year as well. Chennai and RCB will play two matches. It’s the South Indian derby and they have been allowed to fight as that fan club is overactive. I don’t remember when was the last time RCB beat Chennai in Chennai,” Aakash Chopra concluded.