Rohit Sharma was the standout performer of the Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) match yesterday (April 20) at the Wankhede Stadium. CSK bowlers were looking puzzled as the former MI skipper was playing shots so fluently that a decent 177-run target seemed like a small target. 

With the help of Rohit's unbeaten 76, the five-time IPL-winning side wrapped up the match with 9 wickets in hand and 26 balls left. For his clinical performance, Sharma achieved another award after the match. The entire Mumbai Indians dressing room applauds in the hour of their star batter's glory. 

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya chose to bowl first after winning the toss. In the last match at Wankhede stadium, the surface of the pitch was unusual. Wankhede has several records of producing high-scoring matches, but this time, things look different. Bowlers get some help from the yard to destabilize opponent batters. 

Read More: Rohit Sharma: "I was not allowed inside Wankhede Stadium" – gets emotional after winning Man of the Match vs CSK

Despite Ayush Mhatre's blazing innings, Chennai Super Kings got only 176 in 20 overs. In the same pitch, when Mumbai Indians, especially Rohit Sharma, came to bat, CSK bowlers hardly showed any positive sign of a counterattack. Rohit, along with Suryakumar Yadav (68*), took their team safely home.

Watch the MI dressing room atmosphere here: 

A maverick performance from our 𝐌𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐑𝐎 😎🔥#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai #TATAIPL #MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/xoXf5iEeRW

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 21, 2025

What is the Maverick award Rohit got after the match?

In cricket, being labeled a "maverick" is reserved for those who defy convention with their own distinctive style, thrive under pressure, and produce match-winning performances when it matters most. Rohit Sharma perfectly embodies this title. Known for his elegant-yet-destructive batting, Rohit stands apart with his unique flair and calm aggression. Though the IPL 2025 season started off rough for him, his class and temperament always suggested that it was only a matter of time before he turned things around.

Rather than retreating into a shell under growing scrutiny, Rohit Sharma chose to confront the pressure head-on. He didn’t opt for caution—instead, he unleashed a fiery, fearless side that reminded fans of his legendary potential. His decision to attack rather than defend showed not just intent, but leadership and belief in his process. For a player of Rohit's caliber, especially with his experience captaining India and Mumbai Indians, this approach underlines why he’s still one of the most feared openers in the game.

Rohit Sharma's tale is one of dreams fulfilled. As a boy, he would stand outside the Wankhede Stadium, hoping to catch a glimpse of his cricketing idols. Today, the same stadium will have a stand in his name, a moment that brings his journey full circle. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced that Level 3 of the Divecha Pavilion at Wankhede will be named after Rohit, one of India's greatest cricketers.

For Rohit, this is not only an honour, it's an emotional moment. "We were not permitted to go into Wankhede in my childhood days," he said. "Now, a stand is going to be constructed in my name, it will be a very emotional moment for me. I do not know how I will behave." He recalled how he and his pals would complete their U-14 or U-16 training at Azad Maidan and go over to Wankhede, just to watch the Mumbai Ranji side train. Entering was not easy, but those were the memories that stuck with him.

Watch the Video:

Rohit Sharma said, "In my childhood we were not allowed to enter Wankhede, now a stand is going to be built in my name, this will be a very emotional moment for me, I don't know how I will react". 🥹#CSKvsMI #RohitSharmapic.twitter.com/1oN8KUoX4e

— Indian Cricket Team (@incricketteam) April 20, 2025

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya and Ambani found playing like child with robot dog on field

Rohit Sharma: A Legend Whose Records Speak Louder Than Words

Rohit's professional life has been nothing but incredible. He took India to two massive ICC victories, the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. He has also led the Mumbai Indians to five IPL victories. His achievements as a captain and batsman have earned him one of the most honored names in global cricket.

He has the record for the most runs in a one-day international, 264 runs, and is the only player to have three double centuries in ODIs. Rohit has more than 11,000 ODI runs and over 4,000 in Tests. He's also India's top run-scorer in T20Is with 4,231 runs and four centuries. With Rohit, MCA will also dedicate stands to late India captain Ajit Wadekar and former BCCI president Sharad Pawar. It is a moment of pride for Mumbai cricket. Having his name on a stand at Wankhede will give a lot of encouragement to many young cricketers who, like Rohit once, have big dreams from outside the gate.

The Mumbai Indians (MI) injected fresh energy into their IPL 2025 campaign with a dominant 9-wicket victory over long-time rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 20. This emphatic win couldn’t have come at a better time for MI, as they were desperate for a turnaround. The victory now serves as a potential turning point in their season, reigniting hopes of a playoff push that seemed to be slipping away just days ago.

As of April 20, 2025, MI have played eight matches, winning three and losing five, leaving them with 6 points and positioned mid-table. While it’s not an ideal spot, the unpredictable nature of the IPL means a resurgence is always possible. With several teams closely bunched on the points table, a strong finish could quickly catapult Hardik Pandya-led MI into playoff contention, especially considering the strength and experience within their squad.

To realistically qualify for the playoffs, MI must aim for the golden number: 16 points. That would require them to win at least 5 of their remaining 6 fixtures — a tall order, but certainly within reach given their momentum and the firepower in their lineup. With the Wankhede Stadium as their fortress, MI will now look to capitalize and go the distance.

See Also: IPL 2025: Can CSK still make Playoffs after crushing nine wickets loss to MI?

Mumbai Indians' Playoff Qualification Scenario

For MI to qualify for the playoffs, it is not only important that they should win, but they need to win in a dominating fashion. What must happen:

Win 5 or More Matches: With 6 matches remaining for Mumbai, if they win 5 out of the 6 remaining, MI will finish with 16 points. This translates to a win percentage of 83.3% in their remaining fixtures — a daunting task but not unprecedented for a team of MI’s pedigree. The IPL’s fast-paced format and the depth of MI’s squad make this feasible, especially if they capitalize on home games at the Wankhede Stadium, where their batting thrives on the flat pitches. This will not be easy but is possible with MI's current form.

Target Key Opponents: Balance of mid-table and top-table teams with MI facing the likes of the Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Titans for head-to-head competition, and trying to win against the teams that MI must beat will not move MI's points but stop any direct competition.

Improve Net Run Rate (NRR): When several teams have the same number of points, Net Run Rate will be the only differentiator. With MI's previous victory over CSK (177 runs in 15.4 overs), MI's NRR significantly improved, but MI needs a few more performances of this magnitude to stay on top in this tight Net Run Race.

Consistency from Big Players: MI stars like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav will need to find some consistency. MI has had an uneven campaign, as is expected in T20 leagues, but individual brilliance, for example, Bumrah bowling a few overs tightly or Rohit scoring aggressively in the powerplay, could pull MI over the line in big matches.

Mumbai Indians (MI) Remaining Fixtures

Mumbai's remaining schedule features the Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Delhi Capitals as their main opponents. Each match will be a must-win; they have to treat them like knockout matches and play with that urgency in mind.

Yet, MI cannot afford to be complacent. Teams like Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings are also in the hunt for the playoff, and a slip-up on MI's part could allow these teams to overtake MI. MI is also at the mercy of injuries, loss of form, or bad patches from their key players. This is why squad depth and bench strength become so important.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 38: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings Full Match Highlighs

The Road Ahead: Can MI Script Another Comeback?

The Mumbai Indians have dealt with challenges before. As five-time IPL champions, they have a reputation for rising to the occasion when it matters. The win over CSK gives them something to build off of, but the road to the playoffs won't be easy. They have the right mix of winnable games, a class roster, and a bit of confidence. They have the ability to do it.

If Rohit Sharma leads from the front, Bumrah continues to wreak havoc with the bat, and everyone else chips in, MI has the ability not only to make the playoffs but also to pose a serious threat to the title. The next few weeks will be a challenge, but as their recent performance proves, they are not done. The IPL 2025 playoffs are there for the taking; MI must take advantage of the opportunity and create another moment in their illustrious IPL history.

The IPL 2025 has been a wild journey for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) so far, and following their 9-wicket defeat to Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 20, fans are wondering whether qualification for the playoffs is now improbable. With 6 losses in their first 8 matches, can CSK turn things around and make it to the top 4? Let’s look at the situation and find out.

After the damaging defeat to MI, CSK has quite a lot to do. The team now finds themselves with just 4 points on the points table and are now on the brink of elimination. More alarmingly, they have a negative Net Run Rate (NRR)—currently at -1.392 - the lowest of all the teams. However, while it will be challenging, there is still some faint hope for the three-time champions.

What CSK Requires to Qualify for Playoffs

Despite the odds, CSK’s playoff dreams are still alive, but just barely. Here’s how they can keep those hopes burning:

1. Win All Remaining Matches: CSK has 6 remaining matches in the group stage. However, should they manage to win all of them, they would gain a full total of 16 points, enough to get into the playoffs of past IPL seasons. This season is even tougher in that 16 points in other seasons has been enough to make it; very rarely would 16 points do it without NRR falling favorably; hence, CSK needs to improve upon their own net run rate.  
  
2. Improve their net run rate: Ultimately, CSK can win all of their remaining matches, but if they do this with a bad net run rate, their total could still leave them out of the final four, especially if other teams gain 16 points. This means CSK needs to not only win but win by large margins in order to improve upon their own net run, which is key to keeping them still in the running if there is a tie-breaker.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 38: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings Full Match Highlights

Remaining Fixtures

To reach the playoffs, CSK must focus on their upcoming matches and perform at their best. Here’s the list of their remaining fixtures:

• vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
• vs Punjab Kings (PBKS)
• vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
• vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
• vs Rajasthan Royals (RR)
• vs Gujarat Titans (GT)

Each of these matches is crucial for CSK’s playoff hopes, and they will need to perform consistently in all of them. A slip-up in even one game could be disastrous for their chances.

The Path Forward: What Does CSK Need to Do?

Focus on Team Performance: Experience counts, and CSK will need its senior players, led by captain MS Dhoni, to perform to the required level. The batting and bowling departments must contribute, and every player needs to perform for the team to be successful.

Strategize for NRR: A narrow win won’t cut it for CSK; they need to win by large margins. If the team can win by considerably wider margins against these teams, CSK will gain the 2 points as well as attain a better NRR—which could be the deciding factor later on.

Hope for Favorable Results: CSK needs to perform to make the playoffs, but the results of other teams will be equally important. CSK may have some opportunity to make the playoffs if teams around them stumble; they may only have to finish in the top 4.

Also Read: Top 3 Reasons why Chennai Super Kings Lost to Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 Match 38

There is still hope for CSK. Admittedly, it’s not in the best position given their disappointing 9-wicket loss to MI. But if they can win all their matches, they can still squeeze into the playoffs since they will have the opportunity to improve their NRR. CSK needs to be on top of their game going forward, and they are certainly going to need all hands on deck for the rest of the season. But their pedigree and experience in the squad should make it possible for CSK to make a huge comeback, if only in rankings. If CSK can win continuously, keep down their NRR, and get good fortune with the other teams, the Men in Yellow still have a slim chance at the playoffs. 

There will be obstacles, but it’s just like they say in cricket, “Anything can happen.” So, here’s hoping CSK can stand up when they are at their lowest and manage a staggering comeback in IPL 2025!

In Match 38 of IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were defeated handily by Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium by 9 wickets. MI chased down CSK's total of 177 in 15.4 overs with Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav dominating the chase. By the final stages of the innings, CSK's bowlers were unable to adapt to the Wankhede pitch, and the spinners - Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad - were ineffective against MI's top order. In combination with the ineffectiveness of the spinners in the middle overs and bad strategies in the use of bowling changes and field placements, MI's batsmen simply exercised the right to attack CSK's bowling at will.

Although CSK's batting was steady, with contributions from Shivam Dube and Jadeja, the team never looked likely to score at a rate that would pose a challenge to MI. MS Dhoni was dismissed for 4 4runs by Bumrah, but the continued concern about his form against pace bowling was a major worry. There is no question that CSK has continually relied heavily on identified key players who are now too old or continually inconsistent, along with an outdated tactical approach, and were subjected to aggressive momentum from MI. There was no reinvestment into either batting options or developing tactics to either counter the MI batting approach or, worse yet, to become vulnerable to those aggressive tactics. The merged teams' lack of adaptability was ultimately their downfall.

While CSK have the heart and aggressiveness to make changes, they need to find a way to address their nonexistent bowling inconsistencies, add to their bank of tactics, and get their respective players back into form to maintain competitive standing in this tournament going forward.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 38: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings Full Match Highlighs

1. Below-Par Total on a Flat Wicket

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) got to 176/5 in their 20 overs, but unfortunately they left runs out on a batting-friendly Wankhede surface. While Ravindra Jadeja (53* off 35) and Shivam Dube (50 off 32) provided stability and important knocks, a late-order flourish by CSK was clearly missing, given that at the end of their innings, they were unable to create any momentum when death-bowling experts like Bumrah had still yet to bowl for MI. CSK's innings was without explosive momentum, and given the dew, they would have been in a better position with approximately 200.

2. Lack of Early Wickets and Bowling Inefficiency

CSK's bowlers weren't able to make any early inroads to take any wickets and let MI create an unrealizable platform. When you have an unbroken partnership between Rohit Sharma (76* off 45) and Suryakumar Yadav (68* off 30), you have taken the game away. Spinners such as Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin simply couldn't grip the ball well enough in the dew, and pacers like Khaleel Ahmed were unable to take wickets. Not applying any pressure early on and through the middle overs cost CSK the advantage.

Also Read: Top 3 Reasons why Punjab Kings Lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 Match 37

3. Dew Factor and Fielding Errors

In his post-match interview, MS Dhoni indicated that dew was a big factor. The moisture in the ball made it hard for the CSK bowlers, especially the spinners, to grip. CSK’s questionable fielding impacted its performance, with several dropped catches and misfields, allowing MI batters to quickly settle in and take advantage of CSK’s cumulative error. Under the wet conditions, defending a below-par score meant CSK had to perform well, which they didn’t do that night.

The 38th match of IPL 2025 was played between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. In this match, Mumbai Indians defeated Chennai Super Kings by 9 wickets and registered their fourth win of the season and made a big jump in the points table. Mumbai Indians won with 26 balls to spare. Chennai Super Kings had set a target of 177 runs in front of Mumbai Indians. In response, Mumbai achieved the target by losing one wicket.

 Talking about this match, Mumbai Indians team captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and decided to bowl first and invited Chennai team to bat. In response, Chennai Super Kings had a very bad start and Rachin Ravindra was dismissed by Ashwini Kumar after scoring five runs. After this, Chennai sent 17-year-old young batsman Ayush Mhatre to bat at number three and this young player played a brilliant innings of 32 runs with the help of four fours and two sixes in just 15 balls.

After this Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dubey handled the innings and batted well. Ravindra Jadeja scored 53 runs with the help of four fours and two sixes in 35 balls. Shivam Dubey scored 50 runs in 32 balls which included two fours and four sixes. For the Mumbai Indians team, Jasprit Bumrah took two wickets by giving 25 runs in four overs. Apart from this, Ashwani Kumar, Mitchell Santner and Deepak Chahar also got one wicket each.

ALSO READ: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Virat Kohli caught on stump mic mocking Punjab Kings bowler Harpreet Brar

Hitman's mass batting and Surya's innings helps to win the run chase 

In response, Rohit Sharma performed brilliantly for the Mumbai Indians team chasing the target of 177 runs. Rohit Sharma played an innings of 76 runs in 45 balls which included four fours and 6 sixes.

Apart from this, Suryakumar Yadav scored 68 runs in 30 balls which included 6 fours and five sixes. Ricky also scored 24 runs in 19 balls. Ravindra Jadeja took the only wicket from Chennai Super Kings.

Twitter reactions after MI wins 37th match of IPL 2025

Jis maidan par Mahi ne chhakka maar kar jeet dilayi thi, aaj usi maidan par chhakka khaa kar haar dekhni padi. #MIvsCSK pic.twitter.com/b4r7sbuQAM

— Comedyculture.in (@ComedycultureIn) April 20, 2025

That's the reason Why MI won the match. 😎😎#CSKvsMI pic.twitter.com/R37FDHNEIE

— Lucifer (@LuciferCric) April 20, 2025

CSK & MI don’t flex memes ,they flex trophies…..💛💙

Comebacks? That’s in their DNA.
Not like some teams who peak on social
media & choke on the field. 🤫🔥 #CSK #MI #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/O5GZIRKT4S

— Abhi🔱✍🏻 (@themooklekhak) April 6, 2025

Life is so good ,when MI wins against CSK

MI fans be like 🕺💃#MumbaiIndians#TATAIPL2025#TATAIPL

pic.twitter.com/9IGyJd3YCy

— Joker (@joker28_joker) April 20, 2025

*MI Won the match against CSK*

~ CSK va jeichi 3 varusham aavudhunu solringa, Oru match dhana jeichitu potum 😸 pic.twitter.com/4XV3ldZk7L

— Video Memes (@VideoMemes_VM) April 20, 2025

CSK and MI fans cried whole day just to see their idols serving water and scoring 4(6) 😂 pic.twitter.com/aAu6LiFwpP

— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) April 20, 2025

Mi won the Match 💙
VINTAGE MUMBAI INDIANS IS BACK #MIvsPKBS #RohitSharma𓃵 #SuryakumarYadav #Ishan pic.twitter.com/eB1O7nRhiz

— Addicted To Memes (@Addictedtomemez) May 3, 2023

No value of Mumbai Indians without Rohit Sharma 😂

Mumbai Indians fans was forced to take down MI flag in #MivsGG match 😭pic.twitter.com/hu6dA3VHWQ

— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) February 25, 2024

MI prolonged their finish so that CSK remain at the bottom of the table pic.twitter.com/84JXv0i2NO

— Ameya :) (@AGGio_09) April 17, 2025

All Csk fans under grounded after Mi won by 9 wickets 😂😂#MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/nZBhKVeku3

— Rockz☜ (@Rockz055) April 20, 2025

MI getting Knocked out by CSK, The Greatest Rivalry ever in Franchise Cricket 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 #MIvsCSK pic.twitter.com/IjoOevl6La

— BOT DOT BOT⁴ 👾 (@BOT_DOT_BOT) April 19, 2025

In match 38 of the IPL 2025, Mumbai Indians (MI) delivered a commanding performance to defeat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by nine wickets on April 20, 2025, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Chennai Super Kings Innings

CSK, batting first, fought their way to a reasonable score of 176/5. They were led by an unbeaten 53 from Ravindra Jadeja, who did not detract from CSK upon the end of his innings off 35 balls, along with some aggressive support from Shivam Dube (50 runs from 32 balls) and Ayush Mhatre, who gave momentum to CSK's innings with 32 runs from just 15 balls in the end. With this solid foundation, their innings could have turned out better had they been allowed to dominate a disciplined Mumbai bowling line-up. Jasprit Bumrah was the best for the Mumbai Indians (2/25 in 4 overs). Mitchell Santner was tidy enough to allow just 14 runs (1/14 in 3 overs), while Deepak Chahar was reasonable for just 32 in 4 overs (1 wicket).

Mumbai Indians Innings

MI chased down 177 in a timely manner, securing 177/1 in just 15.4 overs. They were led by the consummate performance of the captain, Rohit Sharma, whose innings finished with 76* (off 45 balls), and in high-impact fashion was supported well by Suryakumar Yadav (68* from 30 balls). Together they put together a match-winning partnership, after Ryan Rickelton, had provided a good start of 24 runs from 19 balls. Chennai's bowling enjoyed some success but was sold on the fact that they only took just one wicket—Ravindra Jadeja dismissing Rickelton. However, the rest of the bowlers, including Khaleel Ahmed (0/24 in 2) and Ravichandran Ashwin (0/25 in 4), struggled to contain the onslaught from the MI batters.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 37: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Full Match Highlights

MI vs CSK: Post Match Reactions

Rohit Sharma (Player of the Match): Rohit Sharma, who led the run chase with a brilliant 76*, discussed the need for backing yourself through bad times. “Every time you doubt yourself, you apply pressure. I just kept practicing hard and focused on clarity,” he said. It was a touching moment, for Sharma reflected on hitting near a stand that is going to have his name on it and thought back to the fact he wasn’t allowed into the stadium as a kid.

Hardik Pandya (MI Captain): Hardik complimented the smart way the team was able to execute their plan and commended Rohit and Suryakumar for their dominance at the crease. "When Rohit comes good, the opposition teams are in trouble," he said. He also felt that MI is learning from their previous losses and sticking to the basics to good effect. Commenting about his bowlers, he felt that the total target of 175-180 was always chaseable in the conditions.

Suryakumar Yadav (MI): Suryakumar Yadav, who smashed an impressive 68*, was pleased to bat at No. 3. He gave thanks to Rohit for his support and for playing on Mumbai's red soil pitches, which allowed him to develop his sweeping skills. "I just felt like it was my day and just expressed myself." He reminded us that one should always play with freedom and expect to take the risks on the field.

MS Dhoni (CSK Captain): Dhoni conceded CSK did not show up, and he applauded Ayush Mhatre's aggressive knock but thought they fell short, likely on the acceleration at an earlier point. "175 was never a par score here," he said. He challenged the team to be realistic when they make mistakes, fix them, and then ensure they have a settled XI for consistency in the next matches.

Also Read: Top 3 Reasons why Punjab Kings Lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 Match 37

Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings: Match Scorecard

Chennai Super Kings – 176/5 (20 Overs)

Mumbai Indians – 177/1 (15.4 Overs)

The IPL 2025 season continues to deliver thrilling action as teams fiercely compete for top positions. Match 38 of the IPL 2025 season was played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 20. 

Mumbai Indians delivered a clinical performance at the Wankhede Stadium, chasing down Chennai Super Kings’ total of 176 with ease to register a commanding 9-wicket victory in just 15.4 overs.

Batting first, CSK posted 176/5 in their 20 overs. Ravindra Jadeja anchored the innings with a well-composed 53 off 35 balls, while Shivam Dube added firepower with a 50 off 32 deliveries. Ayush Mhatre made a brisk 32 from 15, and Shaik Rasheed contributed 19 off 20. However, the rest of the lineup, including MS Dhoni, who managed only 4 from 6, failed to accelerate significantly in the final overs.

In reply, Mumbai Indians made a mockery of the target. Openers Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma gave a solid start, with Rickelton scoring 24 off 19. Rohit took charge and smashed 76 off just 45 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav dazzled with a blistering unbeaten 68 off 30 deliveries. The duo's fireworks ensured MI chased down the target with 26 balls to spare, finishing at 177/1.

This emphatic win will surely boost MI’s momentum as they eye a strong position in the IPL 2025 points table.

Latest IPL 2025 Points Table:

As of April 20, 2025, following the match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the updated IPL 2025 points table is as follows:

Also read: KKR vs GT : Match 39 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

Orange & Purple Cap in IPL 2025

Orange Cap (Most Runs):

• Nicholas Pooran  - 368 Runs
• B Sai Sudharsan -365 Runs
• SuryaKumar Yadav - 333 Runs

Purple Cap (Most Wickets):

• Prasidh Krishna - 14 Wickets
• Kuldeep Yadav - 12 Wickets
• Noor Ahmad - 12 Wickets

In a surprising turn of events during Match 38 of IPL 2025 between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), experienced batter Rahul Tripathi was missing from the playing XI. His absence raised several questions among fans and experts, considering his consistent performances and value at the top of the order. Tripathi’s dynamic style and ability to build innings have made him a crucial asset for his team, and many were puzzled by his sudden omission from such a crucial fixture.

Team sources have clarified that Tripathi is currently dealing with a minor niggle sustained during a practice session before the match. The decision to rest him was made purely as a precaution to avoid worsening the issue, especially with important games lined up in the coming weeks. While not a serious injury, the management chose to prioritize his long-term fitness and availability over the risk of aggravation in the high-stakes encounter.

Tripathi’s absence could be felt in the top-order strategy, as his experience and stability often provide a strong platform for the innings. Fans are hopeful for a swift recovery, as his presence becomes increasingly important with the tournament heading toward the business end. His return is eagerly awaited, and the team will be banking on him to come back stronger, just in time for the playoff push.

Also read: IPL 2025: Sundar Pichai’s message to Vaibhav Suryavanshi sparks buzz: Know what he said

Tripathi makes way for Ayush Mhatre

Mumbai’s 17-year-old batting sensation, Ayush Mhatre, is all set to make his IPL debut, replacing the out-of-form Rahul Tripathi. Mhatre, known for his naturally aggressive style, was brought in as an injury replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad earlier in the season. Tripathi has managed just 55 runs from five matches in IPL 2025, with a poor strike rate of 96.50. In contrast, Mumbai Indians have opted to retain their winning XI otherwise, showing confidence in their current combination. The decision to bench Tripathi appears to be a calculated move by the team management, aimed at injecting more aggression into the top order. With the playoff race intensifying, Mhatre’s fearless batting could offer Mumbai the edge in pressure situations. His inclusion not only brings youthful energy but also a fresh approach, which could disrupt opposition plans and provide a spark at the top.

MI are focused on momentum and are willing to take bold calls to keep their playoff hopes alive. As for Rahul Tripathi, this break from the playing XI may serve as an opportunity to reset and regain form. A seasoned campaigner, Tripathi’s experience and composure can still be crucial assets later in the tournament. Whether he returns to solidify the middle order or steps in as a reliable anchor during key games, the team is likely to keep him in consideration. For now, though, the spotlight firmly rests on young Mhatre and his much-anticipated IPL debut.

Chennai Super Kings surprised everyone by picking 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre for their match against Mumbai Indians on Sunday (April 20) at the Wankhede Stadium. Ayush plays domestic cricket for Mumbai and joined CSK recently as a replacement for their captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is injured. Even though he is very young, just 17 years and 278 days old, Ayush was given a chance to bat at number 3 for CSK. He replaced Rahul Tripathi in the playing eleven and is now the youngest player ever to debut for CSK in the IPL.

CSK usually goes with experienced players, but this time they trusted a young talent. Ayush’s selection shows the team is ready to try something new in a big match. Ayush made his debut in first-class cricket for Mumbai during the Irani Cup in 2024-25. In nine matches, he has scored 504 runs with an average of 31.50, including two centuries. He has also played seven List A matches and scored two more centuries.

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Virat Kohli trolls Shreyas Iyer after RCB's thrilling win over PBKS

Ayush Mhatre’s Cricket Journey So Far

At the IPL 2025 auction, Ayush had a base price of ₹30 lakh but was not picked by any team. Later, CSK called him for trials and liked his attacking batting style. They signed him for the same amount after Gaikwad’s injury. He also did well in the Under-19 Asia Cup recently, scoring 176 runs in five matches with a strike rate of 135.38In the Navi Mumbai T20, he hit a 21-ball half-century, indicating his power-hitting ability.

Contrariwise, the Mumbai Indians have made a single substitution. Fast bowler Ashwani Kumar plays in place of injured spinner Karn Sharma. Ashwani came with an impressive debut this season, picking 4 wickets and earning the Player of the Match award. Ayush Mhatre, a big fan of Rohit Sharma, will now play against his hometown team in one of the biggest matches of his young career. CSK fans will be hoping he plays a good knock and helps the team win at Wankhede.