IPL 2025: Gaikwad, Ravindra star in CSK's win over MI
What's the story
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) claimed a thrilling win over Mumbai Indians in their 2025 IPL season opener at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Substantial knocks from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra helped the Super Kings chase down 156. While the CSK skipper played a clutch knock, Gaikwad finished it off after a turbulent middle phase.
Earlier, Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed shared seven wickets.
Gaikwad
Gaikwad leads CSK from the front
CSK's run-chase was fine-tuned by Gaikawd even though Rahul Tripathi departed early.
The former joined forces with Ravindra and marched them forward. While Ravindra showed resilience, Gaikwad counter-attacked.
His brisk knock was ended by debutant Vignesh Puthur, who further dismissed Shivam Dube and Deepak Hooda.
Gaikwad's 22-ball fifty is now his fastest in the IPL. His 26-ball 53 had 6 fours and 3 sixes.
Stats
Gaikwad slams his 19th IPL fifty
The CSK skipper slammed his 19th half-century in the cash-rich league. He also has two tons to his name.
Five of his fifty-plus IPL scores came in the 2024 season, where he scored 583 runs at an average of 53.00.
Overall, Gaikwad has raced to 2,433 runs from 67 IPL matches at an average of 41.94. His tally includes a strike-rate of 137.84.
Ravindra
Ravindra finishes the match for CSK
Youngster Puthur created panic in the CSK setup in middle overs. However, Ravindra held his end despite losing partners.
He broke loose in the former's final over, smashing two clean sixes. This brought the Super Kings within touching distance.
Overall, Ravindra slammed 45-ball 65*, a knock laced with 2 fours and 4 sixes. It was his second half-century in the IPL.
Information
Ravindra races past 250 IPL runs
Ravindra made his IPL debut last year, for the Yellow Army. The young New Zealand opener has scored 287 runs from 11 IPL games at an average of 28.70. He has a strike-rate of over 156.