The Wankhede Stadium is ready to echo once again with chants of “Dhoni! Dhoni!” and “Rohit! Rohit!” as two IPL heavyweights—Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK)—gear up for yet another chapter in their storied rivalry. Termed the “El Clasico” of the Indian Premier League, this clash on April 20 at 7:30 PM IST carries more than just bragging rights. With both teams struggling in the points table, it’s a battle for survival in the IPL 2025 season.
A Flashback to IPL 2024 Heroics
This fixture is a throwback to one of the most unforgettable matches in IPL 2024. MS Dhoni, with a trademark blitz, smashed Hardik Pandya for 20 runs in the final four balls of the last over, pushing CSK to an improbable win. That last-minute carnage left the Wankhede stunned, as Rohit Sharma’s ton went in vain. The win margin? Exactly the number of runs Dhoni scored in those final four deliveries.
Fast forward to 2025, and we have familiar faces once again—Dhoni, Rohit, Bumrah, Hardik, Jadeja, and Ashwin—sharing the spotlight. However, this time the stakes are higher, and the aura of invincibility around both sides has faded.
CSK: A Fading Force in Search of a Miracle
With just two wins from seven games, Chennai Super Kings find themselves hanging by a thread at the bottom of the table. Coach Stephen Fleming, speaking with a touch of realism, acknowledged the tough situation:
“We’ve got eyes on the season, but we’ve also got a little bit of a look forward, making sure that we are developing players for the future.”
Their roadmap to playoffs is riddled with challenges—they need to win at least six of their remaining seven games, a Herculean task. While Dhoni continues to lead with charisma, CSK will need substantial contributions from the likes of Shivam Dube, Rachin Ravindra, and Rahul Tripathi if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Mumbai Indians: Glimpses of Form, but Struggles Remain
Mumbai Indians have fared only marginally better than CSK, sitting just one win above their rivals. Despite a power-packed lineup, inconsistency has plagued their season. Hardik Pandya, leading the side amidst criticism, is finally starting to regain form alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav.
Rohit Sharma, now playing as an Impact Player, has shown glimpses of his old self, including a quickfire 25 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. MI will be hoping he gets more time at the crease on what is expected to be a batter-friendly Wankhede pitch.
The side will rely heavily on their big names—Rohit, SKY, and Bumrah—to deliver when it matters most. With Karn Sharma likely to miss out due to injury, the spin department could see some shuffling.
What to Expect: A Run-Fest at the Wankhede
The pitch for Sunday night’s game is expected to be a belter—true bounce, quick outfield, and ample run-scoring opportunities. Unlike the surface used against SRH which favoured bowlers, this one could see fireworks from both batting line-ups. Teams will likely prefer chasing under the lights.
Tactical Battles to Watch
- Rachin Ravindra vs Jasprit Bumrah: Ravindra’s attacking instincts will be tested by Bumrah’s precision and variations.
- Shreyas Iyer’s match-up with Krunal Pandya: While not in this game, CSK’s equivalent could be how Rahul Tripathi or Shivam Dube handle the left-arm spin of Santner.
- Hardik Pandya’s death overs: He’s leaked 32 runs off just nine balls in overs 16–20 this season. With Dhoni or Dube potentially facing him, this could be a repeat of last year’s drama.
MI vs CSK Head-to-Head: Rivalry Runs Deep
In 38 previous encounters, MI leads 20-18, but CSK has dominated the recent past, winning six of the last seven, including the first-leg meeting at Chepauk earlier this season. However, Wankhede has historically been MI’s fortress, where they lead 7-5 over CSK.
MI vs CSK Team News & Probable XI
Mumbai Indians
- Injury Update: Karn Sharma is doubtful due to a thumb injury.
- Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Vignesh Puthur.
Chennai Super Kings
- Injury Update: No major concerns; Dhoni batted in the nets despite previous limping visuals.
- Probable XI: Shaik Rasheed, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, Jamie Overton, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana.
Did You Know?
- Tilak Varma has scored seven of his eight IPL fifties in losing causes—a rare consistency in adversity.
- Hardik Pandya has been highly expensive at the death, especially off full deliveries, conceding three sixes off three full-tosses.
- CSK’s dominance since 2021: They’ve beaten MI six times in the last seven meetings.
MI vs CSK Live Streaming & Broadcast Info
MI vs CSK Live Telecast: Star Sports Network (Select channels with Hindi, English, regional language options)
MI vs CSK Live Streaming: JioCinema (free in India across all languages and devices)
It may not carry the same glamour of past seasons, but the MI vs CSK clash is still a marquee fixture. With both teams desperate for points and playoff spots slowly slipping away, expect a fierce battle where reputations will be on the line and legacies will be tested.
The Wankhede awaits another potential thriller. Will Dhoni script another miracle? Or will Rohit Sharma remind us of his champion’s heart? Sunday night promises answers.
