In the IPL Eliminator against Gujarat Titans on Friday, May 30 2025, Mumbai Indians' seasoned campaigners Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah were the difference-makers, underlining the timeless adage that in cricket, it's the big players who deliver on the big occasions.
The fans were estastic as Chennai Super Kings outclassed Delhi Capitals by four wickets to enter their ninth IPL final, in Dubai on Sunday.
In reality, Ravindra Jadeja's ascension was a lot about CSK's second in command for years Suresh Raina losing form and being released by the franchise. It was more of a distress move with distinct lack of options.
Left-arm pacer Daniel Sams registered the best bowling figures for Mumbai as he picked three wickets for 16 runs in his 4 overs.
Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming allayed concerns around captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's injury, but said all-rounder Ben Stokes will continue to remain on the sidelines for another week.
According to ESPNCricinfo, Stokes, who has played for Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiant in the past, will likely play as a specialist batter initially to manage his knee injury, for which he has been administered cortisone shots -- an anti-inflammation injection.
PHOTOS of the IPL 2023 match between Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday.
Chennai Super Kings will be wary of Mumbai Indians, which has a superior record in Chennai and has gathered some momentum by winning their last two matches.
Chennai Super Kings' all-rounder Moeen Ali likened the intense battles between his team and Mumbai Indians to the storied footballing rivalry of Manchester United and Liverpool.
Punjab Kings hat-trick hero Yuzvendra Chahal revealed that he relied on his instincts and tweaked his line after observing that the pacers' slower balls were gripping the surface during their IPL clash against Chennai Super Kings, in Chennai on Wednesday.
In a format often dominated by innovation and brute force, Gujarat Titans' Subhman Gill and Sai Sudharsan once again reminded the fans that proper cricketing shots still thrive in the hustle of modern T20 cricket.
CSK, coming off consecutive losses to Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, will be aiming to bounce back against Lucknow Super Giants.
Returning to their den at the Chepauk, Chennai Super Kings will look to bounce back from their opening day win when they take on Lucknow Super Giants.
'But the way the home team should get support, everyone needs to know this is our home team that is playing in Lucknow and what can we do to help them win? 'Everyone's contribution is important. We will find a way anyway to win matches.'
It turned out to be a disappointing evening for Rivaba Jadeja aka Mrs Ravindra Jadeja as the Chennai Super Kings' horror showing continued in IPL 2022.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni handed over the Chennai Super Kings' captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja ahead of IPL 2022.
RCB's success so far in IPL 2025 hasn't just rested on Kohli and Hazlewood.
It all started a day after the IPL 2022 mega auction wherein Maheesh Theekshana, a rising off-spinner from Sri Lanka, was picked up by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 70 lakh (Rs 7 million).
'He's got a lot of time ahead of him'
Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Romario Shepherd says he sensed confusion in Khaleel Ahmed's thinking, which helped him execute his range-hitting plans effectively against the Chennai Super Kings pacer in the death overs.
Dhoni has managed some cameos in the fag end of the innings and the skipper is expected to continue doing so despite calls of him coming up the order.
However, the BCCI, in its bid to stay more vigilant in times of brutal power-hitting, has allowed the match officials to check any piece of willow if they deem required, even during a live game.
Gaikwad was the top run-getter in IPL 2021 with 635 runs in 16 games at a strike rate of 136. He was retained by CSK ahead of the IPL players's auction.
Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming rued the the lost opportunity to pick their former net bowler Varun Chakravarthy at the IPL auctions.
With Dhoni potentially nearing the end of his IPL career, CSK's desire to retain him is understandable. However, the question remains -- will the BCCI reinstate a rule allowing franchises to retain retired players in the uncapped category?
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has always adored dogs, and his Ranchi farmhouse is a testament to this affection.
'Those who are very good at playing along the ground are also very good at playing in the air in same direction.'
And when in Gujarat, the CSK players were ready to feast on the state's delicacies -- dhokla and fafda, which no doubt the nation's premier Gujarati likes very much too!
Images from the Chennai Super Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants IPL 2023 match at the Chepauk in Chennai on Monday.
'You will definitely see me in the yellow jersey. Whether it is this yellow jersey or some other, you will have to wait and watch.'
Delhi Capitals are still in the race for the play-off along with Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants.
Rizvi will be representing Delhi Capitals this season.
Punjab Kings set a new IPL record for the lowest total ever successfully defended -- 111.
RCB spin bowling coach Malolan Rangarajan has praised Virat Kohli's improved strike rate against spinners in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The last five overs saw the CSK batters score only 25 runs while losing 3 wickets and no boundaries to show.
Chahar became the most expensive Indian fast bowler at an IPL auction when CSK paid Rs 14 crore to secure his services
'There has been no change in match timings and the game will begin at 3:30 PM IST'
Delhi Capitals will be desperate to arrest their slump and stay in contention for a play-off berth when they take on high-flying Punjab Kings in a crucial IPL match in Dharamsala on Thursday.
Chennai Super Kings' pacer Tushar Deshpande said bowling during the death overs is not an easy skill and he is still learning the tricks of the trade.
India batter Ajinkya Rahane will captain defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League beginning on March 22.
