[WATCH]- MI And CSK Captains Share A Warm Embrace At Chepauk Ahead Of IPL 2025 Clash

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Suryakumar Yadav caught up at Chepauk Stadium on Saturday ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2025 opener between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI). The two powerhouse teams will kick off their campaign on Sunday.

Ruturaj will continue as CSK’s captain for the second consecutive season, while Suryakumar Yadav will step in as MI’s stand-in skipper for the first match, filling in for Hardik Pandya, who is serving a one-match ban.

MI shared a video of their lighthearted interaction on their official Instagram handle, giving fans a glimpse of their camaraderie before the big clash. The post was captioned:

“Never change Surya Dada 🤭💙 #MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai#TATAIPL #CSKvMI“

You can watch the video here:

 

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“Ruturaj Gaikwad Will Feel the Pressure” – Aakash Chopra on CSK Captain Ahead of IPL 2025 Opener vs MI

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra recently analyzed the CSK squad ahead of IPL 2025. He expressed that Ruturaj Gaikwad has a golden opportunity to carry forward CSK’s illustrious legacy, established by the iconic MS Dhoni over the last decade.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, ‘Aakash Chopra,’ the former cricketer-turned-commentator shared his thoughts:

“Ruturaj Gaikwad has the chance to lead a remarkable franchise. While he has been warmly accepted, especially after MS Dhoni personally handed him the captaincy, the responsibility of upholding CSK’s legacy still comes with its own pressure. Despite not qualifying in his first season, the team remains supportive and understands the challenges that come with the role.”

He further continued:

“However, if a franchise like Chennai remains non-performing continuously, doesn’t reach the finals or lifts the trophy, then there will be pressure. We don’t know how many more years Dhoni would play. This might be the last year. If this is the last year, you want to bid him goodbye with a trophy. So it could be a massive opportunity for Ruturaj Gaikwad.”

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