IPL 2025: Ball tampering controversy - here's what happened in CSK-MI match

The incident has fans recall the unwanted past of the Yellow Army when they were suspended from the IPL for two years back in 2015

Two of the Indian Premier League’s most successful teams with five titles each, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, started their campaign in IPL 2025 against each other on Sunday in Chennai, where Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK beat Suryakumar Yadav-led MI to improve their head-to-head record to 18-20 against the rivals. While the match saw some brilliant individual performances, it is making headlines for what is being referred to as a controversial moment on the field. Fans on social media platforms are sharing a video of CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and pacer Khaleel Ahmed before the first ball of the match, where Khaleel appears to be putting something in his pocket with his back to the camera.  Check IPL 2025 Match 4: DC vs LSG live score, match updates, full scorecard here  Fans are accusing their Chennai-based franchise of tampering with the ball and are calling on the BCCI to take action. However, there has been no official statement from any involved party or the BCCI on this incident, and it will be interesting to see how the management deals with this internet outrage.  IPL Points Table  | DC vs LSG Playing 11

 

Check the full video of the incident here: 

   

CSK’s troublesome history 

The incident has fans recall the unwanted past of the yellow army when they were suspended from the IPL for two years, starting in July 2015, due to their owners’ involvement in the 2013 IPL betting scandal. However, the franchise made a strong comeback in the 2018 season, marking its return by winning the IPL title. 

 

CSK vs MI match summary: 

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) began their IPL 2025 campaign with a thrilling four-wicket win over arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Sunday. The match saw standout performances from Afghanistan’s mystery spinner Noor Ahmad and CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.

 

Noor Ahmad made a memorable debut for CSK, dismantling Mumbai’s middle order with figures of 4/18, restricting them to a modest 155/9. Left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed also shone, claiming 3/29 while dismissing both MI openers — Rohit Sharma (0) and Ryan Rickelton (13) — inside the powerplay.

 

Mumbai’s innings struggled to gain momentum on the slow Chepauk pitch. Suryakumar Yadav (29 off 26) and Tilak Varma (31 off 25) provided some stability with a 51-run partnership. However, Ahmad’s deceptive spin and skipper MS Dhoni’s lightning-fast stumping to dismiss Suryakumar further derailed MI’s innings. A late cameo from Deepak Chahar (28* off 15), playing against his former franchise, pushed MI past the 150-mark.

 

In response, CSK’s chase began cautiously. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad played a commanding knock, scoring a quick 53 off 26 balls despite being pushed down to the No. 3 position. Rachin Ravindra anchored the chase with an unbeaten 65 off 45 balls, ensuring CSK crossed the target in 19.1 overs.

 

Mumbai debutant Vignesh Puthur (3/32) posed a threat with his left-arm spin, claiming the key wickets of Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda. However, Ravindra’s composed knock and his timely sixes off Puthur kept CSK on track. The crowd roared when MS Dhoni walked in with just four runs needed, but Ravindra sealed the win with a six.

 

The defeat extended Mumbai Indians’ unwanted record of not winning their opening IPL match since 2012. 

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IPL 2025 coverage | POINTS TABLE | FULL SCHEDULE

Catch all news related to Indian Premier League here 

IPL 2025 coverage | POINTS TABLE | FULL SCHEDULE