By Robert 
Mumbai Indians (MI) stormed back into playoff contention with a resounding nine-wicket win over arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 38 of the TATA IPL 2025 at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Powered by a vintage knock from Rohit Sharma and a blazing innings from Suryakumar Yadav, MI made light work of a 177-run chase, romping home with 26 balls to spare.
Skipper Hardik Pandya’s decision to bowl first proved decisive, as MI’s bowling unit put in a disciplined shift early on, setting the tone for a dominant all-round performance. The win not only avenged MI’s earlier defeat to CSK this season but also handed them a valuable net run rate (NRR) boost at a critical juncture in the league.
The iconic Wankhede was packed to the rafters as fans poured in for the latest chapter of the storied MI-CSK rivalry. CSK openers Rachin Ravindra and Shaik Rasheed started cautiously, managing just 16 runs in the first three overs. The breakthrough came when Ashwani Kumar, returning to MI’s playing XI, struck with his very first delivery to remove Ravindra.
But the spotlight soon shifted to 17-year-old debutant Ayush Mhatre, who made an explosive entrance. The fearless youngster smashed 4, 6, 6 off the last three balls of Ashwani’s over, thrilling the crowd with a rapid 32 off just 15 balls. His cameo, however, ended soon after the powerplay, dismissed by Deepak Chahar. Shaik Rasheed was stumped by Mitchell Santner the next over, and CSK suddenly found themselves struggling at 63/3 after eight overs.
A rebuilding phase followed, with Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja stitching together a measured partnership. After a watchful start, the pair picked up pace in the later overs, notably taking 24 runs off Ashwani’s 16th over. Dube continued his strong form, reaching a 32-ball half-century before falling to Jasprit Bumrah, who also accounted for MS Dhoni soon after. Jadeja’s composed 53* off 35 deliveries ensured CSK reached a competitive 176/5.
In response, MI’s chase began on a strong note. Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton raced away to 62 in the powerplay, their second-best opening effort this season. Rickelton contributed a quickfire 24 before falling to Ravindra Jadeja, but his dismissal only paved the way for an all-out assault.
Suryakumar Yadav joined Rohit, and the duo unleashed a batting masterclass. Rohit, who had been searching for form, found it in style as he notched up his first fifty of the season, showcasing timing, power, and elegance. Surya, playing with controlled aggression, took the CSK attack apart with a blistering 68* off just 30 balls, studded with six fours and five sixes.
The two added an unbeaten 114-run partnership to take MI home in just 15.4 overs. Rohit remained unbeaten on 76* off 45 balls, anchoring the chase to perfection, while Surya provided the fireworks.
This dominant win marked MI’s fourth of the season and, more importantly, gave them a crucial NRR push that could make all the difference in the playoff race.
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