Noor Ahmad Shines on CSK Debut as Mumbai Indians Struggle to 155/9 in IPL 2025 Opener
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| Noor Ahmad celebrating his 4-wicket haul on CSK debut vs MI in IPL 2025 opener at Chepauk@Photo | AP |
CSK’s Early Breakthroughs Set the Tone
CSK wasted no time
asserting control. Khaleel Ahmed, making his CSK debut, struck in the first
over, dismissing MI’s former captain Rohit Sharma for a duck. The left-arm
pacer didn’t stop there, removing South African wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton for
13 soon after. Ravichandran Ashwin, back in CSK colors after a decade, added to
MI’s woes by sending Will Jacks (7) packing in the fifth over. By the end of
the powerplay, MI were reeling at 52/3, with CSK’s bowlers exploiting Chepauk’s
spin-friendly conditions to perfection.
Suryakumar and Tilak Fight Back, But Noor Steals the Show
MI’s stand-in captain
Suryakumar Yadav (29) and Tilak Varma (31) offered resistance with a 50-run
partnership off 34 balls, briefly raising hopes of a recovery. However, CSK’s
spinners turned the tide. Noor Ahmad, the Afghan mystery spinner, announced his
arrival in style on his CSK debut. In the 11th over, he trapped Suryakumar,
ending the rebuild. Two overs later, Noor struck twice in quick succession,
dismissing Tilak Varma and debutant Robin Minz (3), leaving MI crumbling at
96/6 after 13 overs. Noor’s sensational 4-wicket haul shifted momentum firmly
in CSK’s favor.
Deepak Chahar’s Late Cameo Boosts MI
With MI’s middle order
dismantled, former CSK bowler Deepak Chahar provided a late spark. His unbeaten
28 off 15 balls, including a flurry of boundaries, pushed MI to 155/9. While it
gave their bowlers something to defend, Noor Ahmad’s brilliance and support
from Khaleel Ahmed (3 wickets) and Nathan Ellis ensured CSK remained in the
driver’s seat. This clash, dubbed the IPL’s El Clásico, lived up to its billing
as a battle of wits and skill.
Why This Match Matters: The CSK-MI Rivalry Reignites
The CSK-MI rivalry is the
stuff of IPL legend, featuring iconic duels like Malinga vs. Dhoni and Raina
vs. Tendulkar. With both teams tied at five titles, every encounter is a fight
for supremacy. CSK’s spin-heavy strategy—bolstered by Noor Ahmad, Ashwin, and
Ravindra Jadeja—proved lethal at Chepauk, while MI felt the absence of Jasprit
Bumrah, sidelined by a back injury, and regular captain Hardik Pandya, serving
a one-match ban. Suryakumar Yadav stepped up as MI’s leader, but CSK’s bowling
depth stole the spotlight.
Star Performers and Debutants to Watch
For CSK, Noor Ahmad’s
4-wicket haul made him the star, while Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis impressed
on debut. MS Dhoni, the evergreen legend, drew massive cheers as he took the
field once more. MI debuted Ryan Rickelton, Robin Minz, and Satyanarayana Raju,
with Will Jacks and Mitchell Santner donning MI colors for the first time.
Despite the loss, Deepak Chahar’s late heroics showed MI’s fighting spirit.
Playing XI
Chennai Super Kings: Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Deepak
Hooda, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni (wk), R Ashwin, NoorAhmad, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed.
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks,
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Mitchell Santner,
Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Satyanarayana Raju.
What’s Next for IPL 2025?
This match followed
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 44-run win over Rajasthan Royals earlier in the day,
setting the tone for a high-octane season. CSK will look to chase 156 and kick
off their campaign with a win, while MI aim to regroup without Bumrah and
Pandya. Who’s your pick to shine in the chase? Share your thoughts below and
stay tuned for more IPL 2025 updates!
FAQs:
1. Who won the toss in the CSK vs MI IPL 2025 opener?
Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and opted to bowl first for CSK against MI at
Chepauk.
2. How many wickets did Noor Ahmad take on his CSK
debut?
Noor Ahmad claimed 4 wickets on his CSK debut, restricting MI to 155/9 in IPL
2025.
3. What was Mumbai Indians’ score against CSK in IPL
2025?
Mumbai Indians managed 155/9, thanks to a late cameo by Deepak Chahar in the
IPL 2025 opener.
4. Who dismissed Rohit Sharma in the CSK vs MI match?
Khaleel Ahmed dismissed Rohit Sharma for a duck in the first over of the IPL
2025 clash.
5. How did Suryakumar Yadav perform in IPL 2025 vs
CSK?
Suryakumar Yadav scored 29 and led MI as captain before falling to Noor Ahmad
in IPL 2025.
6. Why was Hardik Pandya absent in the CSK vs MI game?
Hardik Pandya missed the IPL 2025 opener due to a one-match ban for slow
over-rate in 2024.
7. Which CSK debutants shone against MI in IPL 2025?
Noor Ahmad (4 wickets) and Khaleel Ahmed (3 wickets) starred on their CSK
debuts vs MI.
8. What role did Ravichandran Ashwin play in the
match?
R Ashwin, back with CSK, took Will Jacks’ wicket, helping limit MI to 52/3 in
the powerplay.
9. How did Deepak Chahar contribute to MI’s total in
IPL 2025?
Deepak Chahar’s unbeaten 28 off 15 balls boosted MI to 155/9 against CSK in IPL
2025.
10. Why is the CSK vs MI match called the IPL’s El
Clásico?
CSK vs MI, with five titles each, is dubbed the IPL’s El Clásico for its iconic
rivalry and big moments.
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