Mumbai/IBNS: Mumbai Indians (MI) roared back to form with a commanding nine-wicket win over arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 38 of the IPL 2025 at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
Skipper Hardik Pandya’s decision to bowl first proved to be spot on as the MI bowlers kept things tight upfront before the batters delivered a demolition job. The win not only avenged their earlier loss to CSK this season but also handed MI a vital net run rate (NRR) boost in the playoff race.
It was a packed house at Wankhede with fans from both sides turning up in huge numbers for the blockbuster clash. CSK openers Rachin Ravindra and Shaik Rasheed started cautiously, crawling to 16/0 after three overs. The momentum shifted swiftly when Ashwani Kumar, returning to the playing XI, struck with his first ball to dismiss Ravindra.
Enter 17-year-old debutant Ayush Mhatre. The youngster announced himself in grand style by smashing 4, 6, 6 off the final three deliveries of that over, injecting life into the CSK innings. Mhatre’s fearless 32 off just 15 balls, however, was short-lived as Deepak Chahar removed him just after the powerplay. Santner followed up by stumping Rasheed in the next over, leaving CSK in a spot at 63/3 in eight overs.
Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja then resurrected the innings with a steady partnership. After a slow start, they exploded in the latter half, especially targeting Ashwani Kumar for 24 runs in the 16th over. Dube continued his strong season with a 32-ball 50 before Jasprit Bumrah sent him back, and followed it up with the wicket of MS Dhoni. Jadeja remained unbeaten with a well-paced 53* (35), pushing CSK to a competitive 176/5.
Suryakumar Yadav joined Rohit in the middle and what followed was a display of sheer dominance. Rohit, who had been searching for form this season, looked in vintage touch as he brought up his first fifty of TATA IPL 2025. Surya, on the other hand, batted with controlled aggression, toying with the CSK attack.
Rohit remained unbeaten on 76* off 45 balls, laced with four boundaries and six maximums, while Surya’s 68* off just 30 balls included six fours and five sixes. The pair added an unbroken 114-run stand to take MI over the line with 26 balls to spare.
With this win, Mumbai Indians secured their fourth victory of the season. The comprehensive nature of the win gave them a significant NRR boost, which could prove crucial in the playoff race.
