‘This is a match for big names’ - Harbhajan Singh calls MI-CSK clash equivalent to India-Pakistan rivalry

The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 began in fabulous fashion as fans buzzed with excitement to see their favourite players take each other on in arguably the world’s biggest T20 league. With the biggest names also come some big clashes, and that is exactly what is in store next.

The 12th match of the T20 extravaganza will feature a thrilling clash between the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings and the five-time champions Mumbai Indians. The match will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday, April 8.

Ahead of the heavyweight clash, former Indian cricketer, Harbhajan Singh, came forward to hype up the thrilling game. He even opined that the atmosphere of the game is similar to the India-Pakistan clash.

"These are two of the best teams in IPL. And the match is taking place at Wankhede Stadium, where it is very difficult to beat MI. Both are big teams; one has 5 trophies, another has four. When these two teams meet, the atmosphere is similar to an India vs Pakistan clash," Harbhajan Singh said in a video on his YouTube channel.

"I've been a part of a number of such matches in the past. If you want to be a big player, you've got to perform in such games. I feel it would be better if Dhoni promotes himself up the order here. This is a match for big names. I'm expecting Rohit will also shine in this game," he added.

Mumbai Indians will look to register their first win of IPL 2023

The Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians had a horrid run in IPL 2022 as the five-time champions finished 10th in the IPL points table. Moreover, in the ongoing 2023 edition of the IPL, they did not get off to the best of starts they would have wanted.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore humbled Mumbai with a dominating win in their season opener. After a top-order collapse, youngster Tilak Varma's 84-run blitzkrieg did drag MI to a respectable total of 171. However, it was Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis's show throughout as they stitched a 148-run stand for the first wicket, which piloted RCB to a thundering victory with ease. As a result, MI will be keen on registering their first win when they take on Chennai Super Kings in one of the most anticipated matches of the season.