IPL 2025: 3 Mumbai Indians players who could be biggest threat for CSK

The contest between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has been one of the most watched-out battles of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008. With five titles each, these two cricketing giants of the league will once against fight it out in the third match of the ongoing IPL 2025 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, March 23.

While both teams are brilliant in their own rights, CSK will have to be particularly cautious against MI this time. Despite missing Hardik Pandya (one-match suspension due to IPL 2024 over-rate offence ) and Jasprit Bumrah (back injury), MI still has a lineup filled with match-winners. Suryakumar Yadav, standing in as captain, will look to make an impact with his batting, while Rohit Sharma will have the responsibility to torment the Chennai bowlers from the start with Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar in MI’s bowling attack, the team has ticked all the boxes and will ensuring that CSK's batters cannot afford any error.

CSK will rely on their spin-friendly home conditions, with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin taking the lead. MS Dhoni’s return to Chepauk is expected to create a brilliant atmosphere, but it will take more than crowd support to topple a strong MI side. Historically, Mi has had an upper hand at this venue, winning five out of eight encounters.

Here are the three Mumbai Indians players who could be the biggest fears for CSK:

3. Rohit Sharma

Mumbai Indians' star opener Rohit Sharma will be a player to watch out for in their IPL 2025 opener. The 37-year-old is set to become the second-most capped player in IPL history, achieving another milestone in his career. With just one boundary, he will also complete 600 fours in the league, joining an elite list of batters.

Rohit, who has scored 6628 IPL runs, needs just 142 runs this season to surpass Shikhar Dhawan and become the tournament's second-highest run-getter, trailing only Virat Kohli. He is likely to open the innings alongside Ryan Rickelton, and hope to put a strong partnership. Having led India to the 2025 Champions Trophy title, Rohit is returning to the IPL after a break. His record against CSK is impressive, with 805 runs at a strike rate of 132.61. While MI struggled under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy last season, Rohit’s experience could be crucial against CSK.