Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings will clash against each other at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday.
Two of the greatest rivals in IPL history will clash against each other on Saturday. Mumbai Indians have won the tournament on five occasions, whereas, Chennai Super Kings are the second most successful team with three titles. Mumbai returned to winning ways as they secured a seven wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals.
MI have a mixed start to the season, winning three and losing three games so far this season. They are placed fourth on the points table. On the other hand, CSK have registered five consecutive victories, and have five wins in their six matches so far. The Men in Yellow are currently on top of the IPL table, and are strong contenders for the title this season.
Mumbai Indians’ batting finally delivered against Rajasthan Royals. The defending champions chased down a total of 172 runs in just 18.3 overs, with Quinton de Kock regaining his form. The South African scored an unbeaten knock of 70 runs off just 50 balls to guide his team past the finishing line. Krunal Pandya chipped in with a vital knock of 39 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler for Mumbai Indians on Thursday, conceding just 15 runs in his four over spell, and picking up the wicket of Shivam Dube.
Chennai Super Kings also secured a seven wicket victory over Mumbai Indians. Ruturaj Gaikwad was adjudged the player of the match, for his brilliant knock of 75 runs. Faf du Plessis registered his third consecutive half-century, as he scored 56 runs off just 38 balls. Lungi Ngidi returned to the playing eleven, and put in a decent performance, picking up two wickets in his four over spell, and conceded 35 runs.
Key Players
Rohit Sharma has been one of the most consistent batters for Mumbai Indians this season. Despite scoring just one half-century so far, the Hitman has gotten off to some great starts this season. Rohit has scored 215 runs in his six innings so far, and has an average in the mid 30s. The Indian opener has been more cautious of his shot selection and has batted with much more responsibility. The MI skipper could managed score just 14 runs against Rajasthan Royals, before he was dismissed by Chris Morris.
Rahul Chahar has continued his fine form this tournament, and picked up two wickets against Rajasthan Royals. The leg-spinner got the crucial wickets of Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal, after RR got off to a good start. Chahar picked up four wickets each against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, and he has been one of the standout bowlers of the tournament so far. He has picked up 11 wickets in his six matches so far, at an average of 15.45.
Faf du Plessis has been in splendid form this season. The South African batsman is the second highest run getter of the tournament so far, having scored 270 runs in his six innings so far at an average of 67.50. More importantly, he has managed to score runs at a good pace, as he has a strike rate of 140. He has scored three consecutive half centuries, and is in red-hot form. Du Plessis scored 56 runs off just 38 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad, which included six fours and one maximum.
Ruturaj Gaikwad endured a poor start to the season, failing in the first three matches. However, the youngster has rediscovered his form, and has scored three good knocks. The Indian was adjudged the player of the match, for his fine knock of 75 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Last season, Gaikwad scored three consecutive half-centuries towards the end of the season, which helped CSK end the season on a high. He has scored 192 runs in his six matches so far, at an average of 32. Ruturaj has looked solid at the top of the order, and will hope to carry on with his dominating performances.
Prediction
Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have also shared a fierce rivalry among themselves. Last season, both teams shared the spoils, as each franchise won one game each. However, this season, Chennai Super Kings are looking a much better unit and are one of the contenders for the title.
Mumbai Indians have gotten off to a slow start this season, winning three out of their opening six matches. However, the five time champions stamped their authority on Thursday, as they defeated RR by seven wickets. Batting has been a real issue for MI this season, with the middle-order failing to come up with the goods. That was rectified on Thursday, as the batting unit chased down a tricky target comfortably.
Chennai Super Kings will hope to continue their winning streak, and inch closer to playoffs berth. CSK have huge depth in their bowling department, which is expected to trouble the MI batting lineup.
