The IPL 2025 season is in full swing, and one of the most thrilling early fixtures is set to unfold in Chennai. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), celebrated for their home dominance and strategic brilliance in IPL 2024, will face Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, March 23, at 7:30 PM IST.
CSK were a formidable outfit last season, just missing the playoffs, and they’ve reloaded for 2025 with a versatile squad. Their batting lineup includes Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and the iconic MS Dhoni. The bowling unit, featuring Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, Sam Curran, and Ravichandran Ashwin, is primed for Chepauk’s spin-friendly pitch.
Mumbai Indians, despite setbacks, remain a force. With Suryakumar Yadav leading the side and key players Jasprit Bumrah (injured) and Hardik Pandya (banned for slow over-rate) unavailable, MI will rely on Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Tilak Varma, and a bowling attack led by Trent Boult, Reece Topley, Mitchell Santner, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
This high-octane clash is a fantasy cricket goldmine. Here are captain or vice-captain choices for CSK vs MI in IPL 2025.
Captain Suggestions:
Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK)
- Why: Gaikwad topped CSK’s charts with 583 runs in IPL 2024 (avg 53), excelling at Chepauk (avg 60+). With Bumrah absent, he faces a weaker MI pace attack, making him a prime captaincy pick.
Suryakumar Yadav (MI)
- Why: Suryakumar’s 431 runs (SR 169) in IPL 2024 and spin-hitting prowess suit Chepauk. As MI’s captain, he’ll anchor the innings without Pandya, boosting his captaincy appeal.
Vice-Captain Suggestions:
Ravindra Jadeja (CSK)
- Why: Jadeja’s all-round stats (257 runs, 8 wickets in IPL 2024) thrive at home, with an economy under 7. Without Bumrah and Pandya, MI’s batting weakens, enhancing his vice-captain value.
Trent Boult (MI)
- Why: Boult took 13 wickets in IPL 2024 and steps up as MI’s lead pacer with Bumrah out. His powerplay swing could trouble CSK’s top order, making him a strong VC pick.
All-Rounder Suggestions:
Ravindra Jadeja (CSK)
- Why: Jadeja’s spin (8 wickets) and late-order hitting (SR 140+ in IPL 2024) dominate Chepauk. He’ll exploit MI’s depleted lineup, making him a must-have all-rounder.
Sam Curran (CSK)
- Why: Curran’s 270 runs and 10 wickets in IPL 2024 (with PBKS) offer versatility. His left-arm pace and middle-order batting could capitalize on MI’s weakened bowling.
Will Jacks (MI)
- Why: Jacks scored 230 runs (SR 175) in IPL 2024 with RCB and bowls part-time spin. With Pandya out, MI might lean on his all-round skills, making him a differential pick.
Rachin Ravindra (CSK)
- Why: Ravindra, a top-order batter and part-time spinner, could shine. While his IPL 2024 stats (222 runs with CSK) were modest, his dual role adds value against MI’s spin-heavy attack.
Best Playing 11 for CSK vs MI Fantasy Team
Wicketkeeper:
MS Dhoni (CSK)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter
- Why: Dhoni’s 161 runs (SR 220) in IPL 2024 and keeping duties (catches/stumpings) against MI’s batsmen make him a solid pick over MI’s Robin Minz.
Batsmen:
Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK) – Captain
- Role: Opening Batter
- Why: Gaikwad’s 583 runs and Chepauk mastery (3 fifties) make him the top captaincy choice, especially without Bumrah.
Rohit Sharma (MI)
- Role: Opening Batter
- Why: Rohit’s 417 runs in IPL 2024 and CSK record (avg 35+) ensure a strong start.
Suryakumar Yadav (MI)
- Role: Middle-Order Batter
- Why: Suryakumar’s 431 runs (SR 169) and spin-playing ability counter CSK’s attack.
Devon Conway (CSK)
- Role: Opening Batter
- Why: Conway’s 252 runs in IPL 2024 suit Chepauk’s slower surface.
All-Rounders:
Ravindra Jadeja (CSK)
- Role: All-Rounder
- Why: Jadeja’s 257 runs and 8 wickets shine at home, targeting MI’s weakened lineup.
Sam Curran (CSK)
- Role: All-Rounder
- Why: Curran’s 270 runs and 10 wickets offer dual impact against MI’s depleted bowling.
Bowlers:
Trent Boult (MI)
- Role: Pace Bowler
- Why: Boult’s 13 wickets in IPL 2024 step up with Bumrah out, targeting CSK’s top order.
Matheesha Pathirana (CSK)
- Role: Pace Bowler
- Why: Pathirana’s 19 wickets in IPL 2024 dominate the death overs against MI.
Ravichandran Ashwin (CSK)
- Role: Spin Bowler
- Why: Ashwin’s 9 wickets in IPL 2024 and Chepauk economy (~7) exploit MI’s batting.
Reece Topley (MI)
- Role: Pace Bowler
- Why: Topley’s left-arm pace (replacing Bumrah’s role) adds variety; his height could trouble CSK on a slow pitch.
Fantasy Team Summary:
- Wicketkeeper: MS Dhoni
- Batsmen: Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Devon Conway
- All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran
- Bowlers: Trent Boult, Matheesha Pathirana, Ravichandran Ashwin, Reece Topley
- Vice-Captain: Ravindra Jadeja
Rationale:
- Dhoni as Wicketkeeper: Outshines MI’s Robin Minz with finishing and keeping points.
- Captain (Gaikwad): Home form and MI’s weakened bowling make him the safest bet.
- Vice-Captain (Jadeja): All-round impact at Chepauk, especially without Bumrah/Pandya, boosts his value.
- Balance: Five batsmen (one keeper), two all-rounders, four bowlers suit the spin-friendly pitch.
Final Thoughts:
CSK hold the edge at Chepauk with Bumrah and Pandya absent, favoring Gaikwad, Jadeja, and Ashwin. MI will rely on Suryakumar and Boult to fight back, but their bowling looks thin. If CSK bats first, expect a Gaikwad-Conway masterclass; if MI chases, Suryakumar and Rohit could surprise. Toss matters—batting first often wins here. Good luck—hope this team crushes it in your fantasy league!
Also Read: SRH vs RR Fantasy Cricket Prediction: IPL 2025 Match 2
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