MI vs CSK, IPL 2025 preview, predicted XI, team news and Mumbai pitch conditions-OxBig News Network

It’s time for the reverse fixture of the El Clasico in IPL 2025 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 20. Plenty has changed since the Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians last met in Chennai on March 23. CSK began their campaign at home with a thumping win over their arch-rivals, but they have since faltered, winning only one of their next six matches. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians, who had just one win from their first five games, are beginning to look more settled and are threatening to break into the top four with two successive victories.

The clash in Mumbai could prove season-defining for both teams. Mumbai Indians are aiming to climb out of the bottom five, having shown real spark in their last two matches. MI displayed trademark resilience when they came from behind to beat the Delhi Capitals in Delhi, before producing a tailor-made slow pitch to neutralise the SunRisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium. A defeat on Sunday could dent the confidence that has been building in the camp.

Meanwhile, the Chennai Super Kings got a much-needed breather when they managed to beat the Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on April 14 — a win that ended their five-match losing streak. “MS Dhoni is no soothsayer and he doesn’t have a magic wand,” coach Stephen Fleming had said before CSK snapped their run of defeats. And if they lose on Sunday, bouncing back from six defeats in the first eight matches will be a Herculean task.

Despite injury concerns and issues with form, CSK appear to have not given up hope of a turnaround. However, they must find the right balance between pushing for wins and benching senior players who have failed to deliver this season.

“We’re in a delicate phase. We’re still in the competition, but only just. We’re trying to find the balance between giving players time to find form and getting results. We don’t have the luxury of being too patient anymore, but at the same time, we don’t want to keep chopping and changing,” Fleming said.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: MI vs CSK

Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have played 38 matches. MI have won 20 of them. However, the last four matches between the two sides have gone in favour of the Super Kings. The last time they lost at the Wankhede Stadium was in 2022.

MI vs CSK: TEAM NEWS

Chennai Super Kings have some big calls to make. They have backed Rahul Tripathi to come good, but the Maharashtra batter has managed just 55 runs from five matches.

CSK dropped Devon Conway and played 20-year-old Shaikh Rasheed, who impressed on debut, against the Lucknow Super Giants. They have big-hitter Vansh Bedi and all-rounder Ramakrishna Ghosh on the bench to call upon, if needed.

Vijay Shankar has scored some runs, but the all-rounder hasn’t looked entirely confident so far.

Also, CSK signed Dewald Brevis as an injury replacement for Gurjapneet Singh, and Fleming confirmed on Saturday that he is available for selection.

On the other hand, Mumbai Indians are unlikely to have Karn Sharma back for the contest. He required stitches for a split webbing sustained in the game against the Delhi Capitals.

MI vs CSK: PREDICTED PLAYING XIs and IMPACT SUBS

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah.

Impact Sub: Vignesh Puthur.

Chennai Super Kings: Shaik Rasheed, Rachin Ravindra, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Vijay Shankar, Vansh Bedi, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed.

Impact Sub: Matheesha Pathirana.

MI vs CSK: Weather and Wankhede Pitch Prediction

Mumbai Indians played on a two-paced surface against the SunRisers Hyderabad, restricting the visitors to 162 for 5 in 20 overs. MI used Will Jacks effectively on the sluggish pitch.

However, knowing CSK’s spin strength, MI might avoid a similar surface and instead opt for a high-scoring track. Given how CSK have fared in high-scoring encounters, Mumbai Indians will fancy their chances if it turns into a power-hitting contest.

Daytime conditions in Mumbai have been hot, and dew is expected in the evening. Teams would prefer to chase tonight.

MI vs CSK: TOP FANTASY PICKS

MI: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Hardik Pandya, 3. Trent Boult, 4. Jasprit Bumrah, 5. Will Jacks.
CSK: 1. Rachin Ravindra, 2. Shivam Dube, 3. Noor Ahmad, 4. Khaleel Ahmed, 5. Ravindra Jadeja.

MI vs CSK: WHO WILL WIN TONIGHT?

Mumbai Indians are favourites to win the contest if it is played on a good batting surface. Expect Chennai to put up a strong fight, but they might finish second-best on Sunday.