The five-time IPL champions, Mumbai Indians, are gearing up to kick off their 2025 campaign with a blockbuster clash against Chennai Super Kings on March 23. While MS Dhoni may no longer be leading CSK and Rohit Sharma has stepped away from Mumbai’s captaincy, the ghosts of these two legends still loom large whenever these titans collide. Widely regarded as the IPL’s fiercest rivalry, the CSK vs MI showdown never fails to captivate fans. But this time, Mumbai Indians face an even tougher task in their season opener—a chance to shatter a lingering myth that has haunted them for over a decade. For stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Mumbai Indians’ First-Match Curse Since 2012

Despite their glittering record of five IPL titles, Mumbai Indians have a peculiar Achilles’ heel: they haven’t won their opening match of the season since 2012. Year after year, the team has stumbled out of the gate, struggling to find their rhythm early on. The 2022 season was the epitome of this curse, with Mumbai enduring a painful wait of nine matches before tasting their first victory. Yet, once they hit their stride, they often become unstoppable—a trait that keeps rival teams on edge. Breaking this 13-year jinx in 2025 will be no small feat, especially with the odds stacked against them.

A Tough Start Away From Home

This season, Mumbai’s challenge is compounded by a tricky start to their schedule. Their first two matches are on the road, beginning with a daunting trip to Chennai to face CSK at the Chepauk Stadium—a fortress where Chennai Super Kings rarely falter. On March 23, Mumbai will need to breach this stronghold, a task easier said than done. Following that, they travel to Ahmedabad on March 29 to take on Gujarat Titans, another formidable opponent. It’s not until March 31 that Mumbai finally return to their home turf at Wankhede Stadium to face Kolkata Knight Riders. The team will be desperate to pocket wins in these opening away games and return to Mumbai with momentum on their side.

Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence Raises the Stakes

Mumbai’s woes don’t end with the schedule. Captain Hardik Pandya is serving a one-match suspension, while spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss the initial games as well. This leaves the team without two of its biggest stars for the opener, piling pressure on Suryakumar Yadav to step up as interim captain. Suryakumar, a proven leader in T20Is for India, has limited IPL captaincy experience. He did, however, lead Mumbai to victory in his sole outing as captain in 2023—a promising sign for fans. Now, with the spotlight firmly on him, Suryakumar has a golden opportunity to keep that winning streak alive and bury the first-match hoodoo once and for all.

Can Suryakumar Rewrite History?

The absence of Hardik and Bumrah undoubtedly weakens Mumbai’s lineup, but it also opens the door for Suryakumar to showcase his leadership mettle. Fans will be hoping he can channel his T20 brilliance into steering the team to a statement win against CSK. A victory in Chennai would not only break the 13-year curse but also set the tone for Mumbai’s title aspirations in 2025. How the team performs without its key players will be a true test of their depth and resilience.

As the IPL 2025 opener draws near, all eyes will be on Suryakumar Yadav and his Mumbai Indians. Can they defy history and start the season with a bang? Or will the Chepauk fortress and the weight of tradition prove too much? Cricket fans are in for a thrilling ride.

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