'MI always look strong at home, but CSK are difficult to beat on any ground' - Mohammad Kaif ahead of 'Indian El Classico' in Mumbai

Two of the most successful franchises in the history of the Indian Premier League are all set to clash on Saturday, April 8, at the Wankhede Stadium. Notably, the Rohit Sharma-led side lost their first match against Royal Challengers Bangalore and will be desperate to make a comeback and win their first match of the season. While on the other hand, Chennai Super Kings won their previous match against Lucknow, but skipper MS Dhoni was not impressed with his uncapped pacers bowling too many extras.

Now, it is considered to be an uphill task to defeat Mumbai on their home turf. CSK have always found it to be daunting to get a win against MI at the Wankhede Stadium, and thus, the home team will be gearing up to get their first win in the bag in the ‘Indian El Classico'. Meanwhile, former India international reminded everyone that even though MI always looks strong at the Wankhede, CSK can beat any opponent on any ground.

“MI always look strong at home, but CSK are difficult to beat on any ground. In such a situation, MI will have to work hard at Wankhede to get their first two points of this season,” the 42-year-old said while speaking to Star Sports.

Both these teams will be banking on their bowlers to come out victorious: Srikkanth

With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable at the moment, other Indian pacers in the MI camp will have to take a lot of responsibility and rise to the occasion. Ace pacer Jofra Archer wasn’t much effective against RCB in the previous match; thus, there are a lot of concerns that the team needs to address ahead of the big game.

The same can be said for the four-time champions. The domestic pacers have looked average so far, and things need to improve, especially their death bowling. Meanwhile, former India batter Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes that both teams will be banking on their bowlers in the forthcoming match as they can eventually change the complexion of the game.

“Both these teams will be banking on their bowlers to come out victorious, and the team which does well with the bat will win. So, my suggestion to Rohit Sharma should let go of any pressure he has taken on himself. He should look to play his natural game and express himself out there in the middle,” the 63-year-old said.