New Delhi: With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 all set to begin on March 22, Saturday the majority of eyes are set upon the mega clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), scheduled a day after. Dubbed the “El Clasico” of the IPL, the CSK vs MI encounters engage a huge audience and are known for being high-voltage affairs.
However, India legend Harbhajan Singh has given another name to this IPL rivalry, comparing it with the India vs Pakistan international matches. Despite the IPL 2025 beginning with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) facing off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), there’s more excitement for the game that will be held the next day.
Ahead of the start, Harbhajan spoke about the fierce rivalry between the two teams, saying, “CSK vs MI is like India vs Pakistan in the IPL. Their fans are deeply passionate, and both teams have had legendary players over the years. If you beat CSK, your team is in the headlines, and the same goes for MI.”
“It’s a high-pressure, high-voltage match that is always thrilling to watch,” Harbhajan, a JioHotstar expert, told the media.
Harbhajan on Riyan Parag as RR skipper
The former right-arm spinner also expressed his admiration for young batter Riyan Parag, who has been appointed the skipper in the absence of Sanju Samson. “Every season, we see young players making an impact. Riyan Parag is one to watch – he has immense talent, and now, as Rajasthan Royals captain, he has a great opportunity to prove himself,” he added.
Nonetheless, the CSK vs MI clashes still remain one of the biggest attractions of the IPL. Fans eagerly await to see MS Dhoni back in the iconic yellow jersey, and similar is the case for Rohit Sharma, who although had a dismal IPL 2024, will have all eyes on him as he features in a T20 match after a long wait. He bid adieu to the T20Is after India lifted the T20 World Cup last year and is yet to play a T20 match ever since.
Harbhajan Singh has drawn similarities between CSK vs MI IPL encounters and India vs Pakistan international matches, saying that the two mega events are similar to each other. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
