In what could be the emotional zenith of IPL 2025’s league phase, the Gujarat Titans will face off against Chennai Super Kings in the 67th match at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 25. The equation is straightforward yet laden with undercurrents. Gujarat, already confirmed for the playoffs, are eyeing a top-two finish and home-ground advantage. For CSK, the stakes are emotional rather than competitive, as they brace for a potential farewell for the legendary MS Dhoni while trying to avoid a bottom-table finish in one of their worst campaigns in franchise history.

High Stakes for Titans, Sentimental Finish for Super Kings

This game wraps up the league journeys for both teams under vastly different circumstances.

Gujarat Titans lead the table with 18 points from 13 matches and need a win to ensure a top-two finish and two chances at making the final. Their consistency, anchored by a prolific top order and a ruthless pace attack, has made them the benchmark this season.

Chennai Super Kings, with just 3 wins in 13 outings, have already been eliminated. What remains is pride—and potentially, a final hurrah for their stalwart, MS Dhoni.

Gujarat Titans: Balanced, Brutal, and Battle-Ready

From their debut title in 2022 to their dominant 2025 run, Gujarat Titans have built a reputation as IPL’s most tactically complete unit. This year, they’ve married strategy with superlative form.

Sai Sudharsan leads the Orange Cap race with 638 runs at an average of 53.17 and strike rate of 155.99. His partner, Shubman Gill, is close behind with 636 runs at an average of 57.82. The duo has provided explosive starts and unparalleled consistency.

Prasidh Krishna tops the Purple Cap charts with 21 wickets in 13 matches, while Rashid Khan continues to choke scoring in the middle overs. Buttler, Rabada, and Siraj complete a fearsome bowling ensemble.

Their only concern? Finishing innings with clinical aggression—something Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan have struggled with sporadically.

Chennai Super Kings: A Tumultuous Season and a Tenuous Transition

2025 has not been kind to CSK. The five-time champions are languishing at the bottom with just 3 wins and 10 defeats, having lost their last five games in succession.

Injuries have hurt them—most notably Ruturaj Gaikwad’s mid-season exit—but their issues run deeper: inconsistent batting, toothless bowling, and an ageing squad. Their top performers have been young guns like Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis, while Shivam Dube and Jadeja have flickered but not fired.

If this is indeed Dhoni’s last outing, CSK’s emotional investment will be colossal, but translating sentiment into results remains a challenge.

Head-to-Head Battle: Edge to GT in a Short but Intense Rivalry

GT holds a slight edge in direct encounters. Notable moments include:

GT’s debut season dominance in 2022, including league sweeps and a title.

CSK’s revenge in 2023, beating GT in both Qualifier 1 and the Final.

In 2024, Gill and Sudharsan combined for twin tons to post 231 and hand CSK a 35-run defeat.

The rivalry is young but rich with narrative heft.

Statistical Tale of Two Franchises

Pitch and Matchday Conditions

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Surface: Batting-friendly early on, slows down slightly in the second innings
Average First Innings Score: 175+
Weather: Scorching, 39–43°C expected
Toss Decision: Teams may prefer batting first to exploit ideal conditions

Predicted Playing XIs

Gujarat Titans:
Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, R Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

Chennai Super Kings:
Ayush Mhatre, Devon Conway, Urvil Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (C & WK), Anshul Kamboj, Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed

Key Match-Ups and Storylines

Gill & Sudharsan vs CSK’s New Ball Bowlers: This match-up could decide the direction early. GT’s openers are in imperious form.

Rashid Khan vs CSK’s Middle Order: Rashid’s dominance in the middle overs could decimate CSK’s fragile batting.

MS Dhoni’s Finale?: Should this be his last, it brings gravitas and pressure. The entire CSK lineup may rally for a fitting tribute.

GT’s Death Overs vs CSK’s Lower Order: Gujarat’s pace unit has been lethal at the end. CSK’s struggles to finish strongly could widen the gulf.

Expert Predictions and Fantasy Picks

Media consensus across platforms like ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and Star Sports overwhelmingly backs Gujarat Titans.

Top fantasy picks:
Batters: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill
Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Prasidh Krishna
CSK differentials: Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube

Conclusion: A Clash of Directions, Not Equals

This fixture isn’t just a match—it’s a narrative crossroad. Gujarat Titans are rising higher with each passing game, calibrated, consistent, and eyeing a second title in four seasons.

Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, are closing a chapter—perhaps that of MS Dhoni, and certainly of an era. Their campaign has been blighted by inconsistency, ageing personnel, and a widening gap with the league’s front-runners.

Unless an emotional script unfolds—with Dhoni producing one final masterstroke—Gujarat Titans should cruise to a win, wrapping up the league stage with dominance and positioning themselves perfectly for a deep playoff run.

Final Call: Gujarat Titans to win comfortably, affirming their status as IPL 2025’s team to beat.