Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were the first team to be eliminated from the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2020. It was also the first time that the Yellow Army failed to make it to the top four in an IPL edition. However, they did their homework right ahead of the new season and are back to where they belong, at the top of the points table, with five wins in six matches.
The next mission of CSK is not going to be easy. They will be playing reigning champions Mumbai Indians (MI), in Match 27 of the IPL 2021 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Led by MS Dhoni, CSK have finally found a balance in their Playing XI. They boast the deepest batting line-up of all franchises. The addition of Moeen Ali and the return of ‘Chinna Thala’ Suresh Raina have given that line-up a robust look.
However, the biggest strength of the Chennai squad is having two of the most prolific all-rounders in the world, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Both can add quick runs, can pick up wickets, and are fantastic fielders. We already know what Jadeja’s arms bring to the last department.
Despite not having an express fast bowler, Chennai have not looked like a weak bowling unit by any means. They have picked up 42 wickets in six games in which they had restricted opponents under 150 on three occasions.
Deepak Chahar is their highest wicket-taker so far, with eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.80. He is currently at ninth position in the Purple Cap list. Among batters, Faf du Plessis is at the third spot among the top run-getters, with 270 runs striking at 141.
Five-time champions Mumbai took their time in the ongoing season to unleash themselves. Rohit Sharma’s men defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) by seven wickets in their last outing. The plan of recalling Nathan Coulter-Nile for Ishan Kishan worked. Their dugout must have also felt relieved after Quinton de Kock returned among runs.
Mumbai have had the strongest bowling core over the past few editions. In Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult, they have two of the premier seamers in world cricket. However, their leading wicket-taker is leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, currently sitting at the third in the Purple Cap list with 11 scalps at an economy rate of 7.08.
Both teams are unlikely to make changes to their Playing XI. If there is any, Mumbai may bring Piyush Chawla in their line-up against his former team and leave out Jayant Yadav.
Head to Head
Mumbai have played Chennai 30 times and have won on 18 occasions.
Key Players
Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians): In their last encounter against RR, ‘Hitman’ had missed an opportunity to score big on the flat Delhi track. Rohit, who celebrated his 34th birthday yesterday, can bring his 1st century of the season now if he gets going.
Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings): We recently saw how Jadeja virtually single-handedly conquered the entire Royal Challengers Bangalore team. The matchup against Mumbai is a ‘clash of Royals’ once again and he loves to perform on big occasions.
Likely XIs
Mumbai Indians: Quinton de Kock (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Krunal Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Piyush Chawla, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult.
Chennai Super Kings: Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Sam Curran, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi.
Prediction
Mumbai Indians are likely to emerge victorious.