Deepak Chahar Makes Mumbai Indians Debut Creates Social Media Frenzy

It was an exciting and emotional match as Deepak Chahar debuted for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) for the first time. What made his entry special was that it was his first-ever MI colours game against his former team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the side for whose colours he played the last seven years of his IPL stint. This sudden twist of events not only kept the audience on the edge of their seats but also made waves on social media, especially after CSK player Chahar's sister Malti Chahar posted a side-splitting meme where she equated it to Telugu blockbuster mythology movie Baahubali. A Frenemy Reignited: CSK vs MI at Chepauk

The match at the legendary Chepauk Stadium featured two of the IPL's biggest arch-rivals and was a thrilling edge-of-the-seat encounter.

Chennai Super Kings emerged victorious, with four wickets in hand over Mumbai Indians. CSK pursued 156 with Ruturaj Gaikwad's first captaincy going by example in a sweltering 53-run knock, and Rachin Ravindra led the pursuit with a wild 65 from 45 deliveries. The pair set CSK back by five balls, presenting MI with a defeat for their first game of an IPL season—something they've been suffering from since 2012. While losing the match, there were some plusses for Mumbai Indians as well. Deepak Chahar made his presence felt both with his bat and his bowling, taking a vital wicket and scoring a quick 28 runs from just 15 balls. Another bright spot was debutant Vignesh Puthur, who impressed with his bowling figures of 3/32. However, MI’s total of 155/9, restricted by an excellent bowling effort from CSK, ultimately proved insufficient.

Malti Chahar's Meme Goes Viral

Even though the game itself was a thrilling spectacle, it was the Instagram story of Malti Chahar that stole the limelight off the ground.

She contrasted the position of her brother with the legendary backstabbing scene of Baahubali where the hero is backstabbed by none other than his own uncle Kattappa. She shared a meme that put together a montage of Deepak Chahar's work on the field and the infamous scene from the film, which induced laughter and interaction among cricket enthusiasts worldwide on the internet. This lighthearted take on the situation resonated with many, as fans debated the emotional weight of Chahar facing his former teammates. While some viewed it as a professional decision, others saw it as a dramatic reunion filled with mixed feelings. Regardless, Malti’s meme injected humor into the conversation and showcased the strong sibling bond they share.

CSK’s Dominance and Key Performances

Chennai Super Kings' triumph was founded on a great bowling effort headed by Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed. Noor in his debut CSK season, bowled well and sent back four wickets for 18-run total. Khaleel provided the right kind of backup, picking three wickets for 29 runs, never providing MI with a chance to settle into batting rhythm.

When CSK's opportunity to chase arrived, Gaikwad demonstrated his resolve to score against the opposition, sprinting to a 22-ball fifty—his best quickest in the tournament. As wickets continued to fall intermittently, Rachin Ravindra played an unflappable innings, hitting two boundaries and four sixes during his unbeaten 65. His skill at holding back the innings when the team was in most need was the variation between the two teams.

Post-Match Reactions

After the win, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was ecstatic, having stated, "Happy to be on the winning side. Would have liked to have been more clinical, but that's how the game goes. Going to number three was a team call to create more balance, and I am happy to oblige."

Gaikwad also praised his bowlers, especially the spinners, who were in the spotlight in checking MI. "The spinners were ideal. The moment the auction took place, something which all of us were waiting for was to have three quality spinners bowling as a unit at Chepauk. Khaleel has experience, Noor is an X-factor, and having Ashwin too gives us a bigger attack," he said.

What Awaits Chahar and MI?

Deepak Chahar's this switch to Mumbai Indians is a behemoth page in his book.

Plenty of cricketing experience, having been a cornerstone for all those years at CSK, with the might of MS Dhoni behind him, Chahar's move to MI is a new beginning, and his all-rounder show in the very first match shows that he's set to leave his mark. Although the result was not as desired for MI, his performance with the bat and ball does teach us that he's going to prove himself as a handy player of his new team in future matches. Mumbai Indians should, however, get their acts together earlier rather than later and constitute a squad before their next match. Reserving their better side, they would want to come back and erase their curse of starting on a losing streak in future seasons. 

Conclusion

Deepak Chahar’s first match for Mumbai Indians was more than just a game—it was a spectacle filled with nostalgia, high-intensity cricket, and viral moments. While CSK secured the win, Chahar’s individual performance and his sister Malti’s meme ensured he remained a central talking point after the match. As the IPL 2025 season progresses, fans will eagerly watch how Chahar’s journey with MI unfolds and whether he can help them achieve success in the tournament.