Ahmedabad, May 25, 2025
Match Overview
In a high-stakes clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) locked horns with the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final league-stage match of IPL 2025 Live. With GT aiming to cement a top-two finish and CSK seeking redemption in a forgettable season, the game delivered fireworks from the outset. CSK skipper MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision driven by the dry, batting-friendly Ahmedabad pitch . GT, meanwhile, bolstered their pace attack by reintroducing Gerald Coetzee in place of Kagiso Rabada, signaling tactical adjustments ahead of the playoffs .
Toss & Team Changes
CSK’s Strategy: Dhoni emphasized the need to “enjoy the game” while testing young talents like Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis in their final outing of the season. The team made one change, bringing in Deepak Hooda for Ravichandran Ashwin .
GT’s Approach: Shubman Gill welcomed the toss outcome, stating GT preferred chasing. With Jos Buttler set to leave for national duty post-match, GT’s middle order faced a litmus test. Coetzee’s inclusion aimed to address their pace-bowling depth .
Playing XIs
- CSK: Ayush Mhatre, Devon Conway, Urvil Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (C/WK), Deepak Hooda, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed .
- GT: Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Gerald Coetzee, Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Arshad Khan, Prasidh Krishna .
Live Scorecard Highlights: CSK’s Explosive Start
Powerplay Fireworks
CSK’s innings began explosively, with 20-year-old Ayush Mhatre dominating GT’s bowling. The opener smashed 33 runs off 12 balls, including 3 sixes and 3 fours, in a 28-run onslaught against Arshad Khan’s second over .
Key Moments
- Over 1 (Mohammed Siraj): Mhatre cautiously navigated Siraj’s opening spell, scoring 5 runs before unleashing a boundary off a wide delivery .
- Over 2 (Arshad Khan): Mhatre’s carnage included three sixes (over long-on, deep mid-wicket, and fine leg) and two fours, propelling CSK to 34/0 in 2 overs—a record-breaking Powerplay start .
Bowling Struggles
- Arshad Khan conceded 28 runs in his first over, the most expensive of the season, while Siraj’s 1.1 overs yielded 6 runs .
- GT’s lack of pace depth beyond Siraj and Prasidh Krishna became evident, with Rashid Khan’s form also under scrutiny .
Playoff Implications
For GT:
A win would secure 20 points, guaranteeing a top-two finish and two shots at the final. A loss leaves them dependent on other results, with RCB and PBKS in contention .
For CSK:
Already eliminated, CSK aimed to avoid a historic bottom-place finish. A victory would require a 107-run margin or a win with 45 balls to spare—a near-impossible task given their inconsistent season .
Key Players to Watch
- Shubman Gill (GT): The newly appointed Test captain anchored GT’s top order, averaging 57.81 this season. His leadership and form were pivotal for GT’s playoff push .
- Ayush Mhatre (CSK): The young opener’s fearless batting (SR 275) hinted at CSK’s future plans, overshadowing even Devon Conway’s slow start .
- Gerald Coetzee (GT): Returning to the lineup, his pace and variations were critical to containing CSK’s middle order .
Pitch & Conditions
The Ahmedabad track, notorious for high scores, lived up to its reputation. With temperatures soaring to 40°C, batters thrived on the hard surface, while bowlers struggled with dew-free conditions. Square boundaries (61m–67m) and a 73m straight hit favored aggressive strokeplay .
Emotional Undertones: Dhoni’s Potential Farewell
Speculation swirled around Dhoni’s IPL future, with fans fearing this could be his final match. The CSK skipper, however, remained cryptic, stating, “My body is holding up well, but the decision [to retire] is mine alone” .
What’s Next?
- GT: A win secures Qualifier 1; a loss triggers NRR calculations with RCB and PBKS.
- CSK: Focus shifts to rebuilding, with young stars like Mhatre and Brevis central to their 2026 plans.
Conclusion
The CSK vs GT clash epitomized IPL drama: youth vs experience, playoff stakes, and emotional farewells. While GT’s bowling frailties were exposed early, their batting firepower—led by Gill, Buttler, and Sudharsan—kept them favorites. For CSK, Mhatre’s blitz offered a silver lining in a season marred by inconsistency. As the playoffs loom, GT’s quest for dominance continues, while CSK’s rebuild begins anew.
Live Score Update (As of 3:40 PM IST):
- CSK: 34/0 (2 overs) | Ayush Mhatre: 33* (12) | Devon Conway: 0* (0) .
(For real-time updates, follow TOI Live Blog or ESPN Cricinfo).
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