Rachin Ravindra to play CSK vs MI IPL 2025 match?

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League started with a hard-hitting game at the Eden Gardens. With the chase master at the fore, RCB chased down 175 to beat the defending champions in the IPL 2025 opener. The focus now shifts to the double-header, where the IPL 2024 runner-ups, SRH, will go against Rajasthan Royals in the first fixture of the double-header. The excitement, meanwhile, is off the charts for the "El Clasico" of the IPL, scheduled early this season. Sunday, March 23, will feature the classic CSK vs MI tussle at the iconic Chepauk. Both teams look thoroughly strengthened this season, capable of showcasing one thrilling battle.

Rachin Ravindra pulls the hard yards in nets, likely to start ahead of Conway in CSK vs MI IPL 2025 match

Mumbai Indians will be led by Suryakumar Yadav for the match against CSK, as Hardik Pandya sits out due to an overrate penalty. Chennai, meanwhile, will have Ruturaj Gaikwad at the helm. With four overseas slots available in the Playing XI, CSK faces the contention of opting between Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Conway has been a crucial pick for CSK ever since the exit of Faf du Plessis. In 2023, when Chennai won its fifth IPL title, the Kiwi opener was adjudged the Player of the Match. Rachin, on the other hand, has joined the camp on the back of a splendid show at the ICC Champions Trophy.

Now, the latest report from the CSK camp suggests that Ravindra might start ahead of Conway in the campaign opener at Chepauk. The 25-year-old New Zealand player was observed having an extended training session in the nets on the eve of the CSK vs MI match. The Kiwi joined the CSK camp ahead of IPL 2024 as the five-time champions acquired the rising star for just 1.80 crore.

In the IPL 2025 mega auction, CSK managed to bring him back for 4 crores, along with Devon Conway. In the last season, Ravindra scored 222 runs at an average of 22.20 across 20 matches. His most impressive turn-up was noted against RCB in the last league-stage match, where Rachin scored 61 off 37. However, a muddle in the middle with Shivam Dube resulted in the batter getting run out.

For the upcoming match against arch-rivals, Chennai Super Kings seem interested in extending the rope to Ravindra. If the batter outruns Devon Conway in the selection race, he will open the innings along with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. CSK, moreover, picked Rahul Tripathi in the IPL 2025 mega auction, who is poised to claim the No.3 spot in the batting order. Meanwhile, the contenders to claim the other overseas slots in the CSK Playing XI are seamer Matheesha Pathirana, spinner Noor Ahmad, and all-rounder Sam Curran.

Predicted Playing XI for CSK vs MI IPL 2025 match

Chennai Super Kings: Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), R. Ashwin, Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Naman Dhir, Karn Sharma, Robin Minz, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar