The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to begin on March 22, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the season opener. As the tournament approaches, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh shared his thoughts on one of the fiercest rivalries in IPL history—Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs. Mumbai Indians (MI).
CSK vs MI: The India-Pakistan of IPL?
Harbhajan, a veteran who has played for both franchises, compared the CSK-MI clash to a high-stakes international battle.
“CSK vs MI is like India vs Pakistan in the IPL. Their fans support them with unmatched passion,” Harbhajan told the media in an exclusive chat with JioStar Experts.
He emphasized the intensity of this fixture, pointing out that defeating either CSK or MI guarantees media headlines.
“CSK is one of the top teams in IPL history, and if you beat them, your team gets all the attention. The same goes for Mumbai Indians. These matches bring high pressure, high stakes, and pure entertainment,” he added.
Harbhajan Backs Riyan Parag as Rajasthan Royals’ Stand-In Captain
Harbhajan also praised young Riyan Parag, who has been named Rajasthan Royals’ captain until Sanju Samson returns to full fitness.
“Every season, we see young talents making a mark—scoring runs, taking wickets. This time, my eyes are on Riyan Parag. He has massive potential, and I want to see him evolve into a match-winner and a tournament-winning leader,” Harbhajan said.
The former spinner is also eager to observe the new crop of young spinners in IPL 2025, particularly their approach and mindset.
Fans Eager for MS Dhoni’s Return in Yellow
Both CSK and MI boast massive fanbases, and supporters have waited an entire year to see MS Dhoni back in the iconic yellow jersey.
In their last encounter, CSK outclassed MI, winning by 20 runs. Rohit Sharma smashed a century, but Matheesha Pathirana stole the show with a four-wicket haul, earning the Player of the Match award. Interestingly, MS Dhoni’s explosive 20 runs off just four balls turned out to be the exact winning margin for CSK.
With IPL 2025 around the corner, excitement is at an all-time high. Fans can’t wait to witness the return of legends, rising stars making an impact, and the thrill of the biggest T20 league in the world!