The stage is set for one of the biggest clashes in IPL history—Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians 2025. Two of the most successful franchises, a rich legacy, high-stakes pressure, and players who’ve delivered when it mattered most. If you’re setting your Fantasy11 team for this match, you need more than gut feeling. You need data, matchups, pitch reports, and logic. Let’s break it all down.
Match Details
- Match: CSK vs MI, IPL 2025
- Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- Weather: Hot and humid conditions, with dew expected in the second innings
Pitch Report – Chepauk, Chennai 2025
Traditionally known as a spin-friendly venue, Chepauk has shown mixed behavior in recent seasons. While early matches often offer runs due to the freshness of the track, it tends to slow down as the tournament progresses. But recently, it has become flatter and better for batting. Last year, even 200+ scores were seen here. Don’t ignore the spinners completely. Spinners can come into play, especially if CSK decides to make a spin-friendly surface (they are the home team, after all).
Key Pitch Stats (Previous 9 IPL Matches in Chennai):
- Average 1st innings score: 170+
- Chasing success rate: 66%
- Wickets by Type:
- Fast bowlers: 74
- Spinners: 25
- Run Outs/Other: 6
Insights:
- New Ball Movement: Swing early on with seamers, especially Deepak Chahar or Trent Boult.
- Second Innings Dew: Teams winning the toss often choose to bowl.
- Spin in Middle Overs: Expect finger spinners and wrist spinners to dominate, especially Ashwin, Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad.
Head-to-Head Record – CSK vs MI
- Total Matches: 37
- MI won: 20
- CSK won: 17
Mumbai has a slight edge overall, but last year, CSK beat MI in both matches. Gaikwad and Dube were brilliant in one of those matches. Patheerana also picked up 4 wickets.
Team News & Updates
Toss & Team News:
This match is gonna be super interesting because Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah aren’t playing. Bumrah is injured, and Hardik has been penalized for last year’s slow over-rate – so he’s missing the first match. Also, Suryakumar Yadav is leading MI today. That’s a big change. From CSK’s side, usual suspects are ready – but there’s a chance that either Devon Conway or Rachin Ravindra will open alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Also read about KKR vs RCB Dream11
Chennai Super Kings
- Unavailable/In Doubt: Devon Conway (injury concern), MS Dhoni (playing lower down the order)
- Expected XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary
Key Player Form – CSK
Batters:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad – 583 runs in IPL 2023, including a century. Insane record at Chepauk.
- Shivam Dube – Loves hitting sixes, 396 runs last year. Plays spin well.
- Rachin Ravindra – Good in T20s, can bowl a bit too. Might open if Conway doesn’t play.
- MS Dhoni – Comes down the order, not a great fantasy pick because of limited batting time.
Bowlers:
- Patheerana – 13 wickets in 6 games last season. Great in death overs.
- Jadeja – Solid all-rounder, useful with both bat and ball.
- Nuwan Thushara / Mukesh Choudhary – Could be surprise picks. Mukesh especially is returning after injury and CSK trusts him big time.
- Ashwin – Has a history here but may or may not start. Keep an eye out.
Mumbai Indians:
- Unavailable: Jasprit Bumrah (injury), Hardik Pandya (match ban)
- Expected XI: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Naman Dhir, Raj Angad Bawa, Sam Curran, Shams Mulani, Trent Boult, Corbin Bosch, Kumar Kartikeya or Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Key Player Form – MI
Batters:
- Rohit Sharma – Good international form, but average at Chepauk is only 24. Struggles vs left-arm pace.
- Suryakumar Yadav – Brilliant IPL record. Matchup vs Jadeja and Patheerana could be tricky.
- Tilak Varma – Consistent, 416 runs in IPL 2023. Solid vs spin.
- Rickelton – Big hitter, likely to open with Rohit. Has done well in SA T20 League.
- Robin Minz – Youngster from Jharkhand, aggressive player. Watch out if he plays.
Bowlers:
- Trent Boult – Early overs threat. Trouble for all top-order batters. Has taken wickets against Gaikwad and others.
- Deepak Chahar – Swing bowler, used to play for CSK, now with MI. Interesting twist.
- Corbin Bosch – May get death overs in Bumrah’s absence. All-rounder.
- Mujib ur Rahman / Will Jacks – One of them might play as off-spinner due to CSK’s many left-handers.
Key Player Stats & Matchups 2025
Chennai Super Kings:
| Player | IPL at Chepauk | vs MI | Fantasy Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Avg 65 | Solid record | Must pick if opening |
| Shivam Dube | Big-hitting | Weak vs left-arm spin | Better in 2nd innings |
| Jadeja | Top wicket-taker at Chepauk | Avg vs MI: 27 | High-impact pick |
| Pathirana | 7 wickets in 2 games vs MI | Death overs role | Captain material in GL |
| Santner | Economical, wickets in middle | Good matchup vs Tilak | Good differential |
Mumbai Indians:
| Player | IPL vs CSK | At Chepauk | Fantasy Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 1 century vs CSK | Struggles vs left-arm pace | Risky pick in this venue |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 4 dismissals by Jadeja | Inconsistent form | High risk, high reward |
| Rickelton | Form player | Lacks experience in India | Potential punt |
| Tilak Varma | Solid IPL form | Weak vs spin | Avoid if batting in middle |
| Boult | 3 wickets in powerplay last game | Dismissed Gaikwad before | Valuable early |
Match-Ups to Watch
- Boult vs Gaikwad/Ravindra: Early swing could remove either.
- Jadeja vs Surya & Rohit: Both right-handers have been dismissed multiple times.
- Pathirana vs Mumbai finishers: Wicket-taking potential in final overs.
- Boult vs CSK Openers – Boult has dismissed Gaikwad and Rachin in the past.
- Jadeja vs Rohit – Jadeja has dismissed him 3 times.
- Patheerana vs SKY – Has dismissed him 3 times in 2 matches.
- Khaleel Ahmed (if he plays) – Has a good record against Rohit and Tilak.
Captaincy & Vice-Captaincy Picks
Safe Captain Options:
- Sam Curran: Bats in middle, bowls at crucial phases.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad: Great record at Chepauk, consistent in top order.
Vice-Captain Options:
- Pathirana: Wickets at the death are gold in fantasy.
- Tilak Varma: Only if he bats in top 3.
- Jadeja: All-round potential + Chepauk conditions.
Fantasy Tips – CSK vs MI Fantasy Team Prediction 2025
Wicketkeepers:
- Pick Rickelton if he opens.
- Avoid Dhoni in small leagues (bats very late).
- If Conway plays, he’s a top choice.
Batters:
- Must-haves: Ruturaj Gaikwad, SKY
- Watchlist: Tilak Varma, Tripathi (nice differential), Shivam Dube
All-rounders:
- Sam Curran – Bats and bowls. My captain pick.
- Jadeja – Safe option, can contribute both ways
- Will Jacks / Mujib – If either plays, great vs CSK’s lefties
Bowlers:
- Patheerana – Key death bowler
- Boult – Early overs threat
- Nuwan Thushara or Nathan Ellis – Good options for GL
- Noor Ahmad – Left-arm spinner, could surprise
Tip: If MI bowls first, you can switch Boult with Corbin Bosch or Nathan Ellis depending on the playing XI.
My Fantasy Picks (Draft Team):
WK: Rickelton
BAT: Ruturaj, SKY, Rachin, Tilak
ALL: Curran (C), Jadeja, Dube
BOWL: Patheerana, Noor Ahmad, BoultVC Option: Ruturaj / SKY
Grand League Differentials
- Robin Minz (MI): If playing, big hitter and wicketkeeper
- Mukesh Choudhary (CSK): Known for early breakthroughs
- Naman Dhir (MI): If batting in top 4, could be a steal pick
Final Tips Before Deadline
- Monitor Toss Closely: Dew factor and bowling first can flip your entire strategy.
- Check Playing XI: Especially for players like Conway, Mujeeb, or Minz.
- Don’t Chase Stars: Pick role-specific players with good recent form and venue record.
- Use Combinations: Don’t stack batters in bowling-friendly conditions.
Verdict
Both teams are missing some big names (Hardik, Bumrah), but there’s still a lot of talent here. CSK at home will be confident. MI’s new guys like Rickelton and Corbin Bosch could be game changers. And yeah, wait till the toss for confirmed lineups and any last-minute changes. Also, check matchups one last time.
Hope this helped you get a solid idea for your CSK vs MI Fantasy Team Prediction 2025. Let me know who you’re picking. And if you liked this blog, share it with your fantasy buddies.
Good luck, and happy winning!
