IPL 2025: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, Match 3 - Who Said What?

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings crossed swords against Mumbai Indians, who have the same number of trophies, in the Match No. 3 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Sunday, March 23, and the former won the game by four wickets and five balls remaining in the match, chasing down the target without any major discomfort at the end.

The high-voltage clash saw CSK bowl first at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai in a night encounter, and the side took wickets at regular intervals to restrict Mumbai to 155/9 at the end of the first innings, where Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed ran through the defence of the opposition's batting order. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad aced the chase with 53 off 26 balls, while opener Rachin Ravindra also made a significant contribution in the game.

Talking Points

1. Ahmad-Ahmed, wickets-wickets

Left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed struck in the very first over, sending the dangerous Rohit Sharma back in the hunt for a duck. He then accounted for Ryan Rickelton as well, getting him bowled in the third over. Later, Noor Ahmad weaved magic with his left-arm orthodox spin, accounting for a tally of 4-0-18-4 during his spell, which included the wickets of Suryakumar Yadav, Robin Minz, Tilak Varma, and Naman Dhir. Khaleel, whereas, took three wickets in his spell.

2. Rachin-Ruturaj, runs-runs

Opener Rahul Tripathi had departed early, which is when Ruturaj joined Rachin Ravindra at the crease. They then put up a much-needed strong partnership for the second wicket, mindfully playing through the difficult overs. Their 67-run stand had Ruturaj make the bulk of the scoring, before departing for 53 off 26 balls. Rachin, however, continued the flow of runs, and even hit the winning runs for CSK in the 20th over.

3. Dhoni at it

MS Dhoni, even after being 43-year-old, seems to be growing in terms of physical abilities as an athlete. During the 11th over of the game, where Noor Ahmad tossed the ball slightly fuller, Suryakumar Yadav missed the line completely in an attempt to hit an inside-out stroke. However, the ball went straight to Dhoni's gloves and in a flash, the stumper whipped off the bails, accounting for the dismissal of MI captain.

Who Said What?

Suryakumar Yadav, MI Captain, said

We were actually 15-20 runs short but the fight the boys showed was commendable. Amazing (debut from Vignesh Puthur). MI is known for that, scouring youngsters 10 months a year and they've done that, he has a bright future ahead. I kept his one over in the end in my pocket in case the game went far but it was a no-brainer in the end. There was no dew but it was a pretty sticky, Ruturaj batted very well in the second innings.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK Captain, said

Happy to be on the winning side, loved to have been more clinical but that is how the game goes. That is the requirement of the team (talking about the move to bat at three) and that gives the team more balance and I am really happy to change my position. The spinners were right on point and right after the auction, one thing we were really excited was all those three spinners bowling in tandem at Chepauk. Khaleel is experienced and Noor is an X factor and that is why we wanted him in the team and good to have Ash as well. He (Dhoni) is more fitter this year and he is still looking young.

Also Check: [WATCH] MS Dhoni gives Chepauk crowd 'Thala Dharisanam' during CSK vs MI encounter

Noor Ahmad, Player of the Match, said

Noor Ahmed | Player of the Match: It feels special to play here in the IPL. Happy for the team and happy with the contribution. The focus was to land the ball in the right area and the wicket of Surya was special and the stumping from MSD was out of the world. Feels great to have someone like Mahi bhai behind the stumps, it is a great suport for me.