IPL 2018: Match 27, CSK vs MI, Preview- Scarred Mumbai run into hostile Super Kings

The first and foremost task for the Mumbai Indians (MI) would be to get their psychological perspective in place, which is currently in utter shambles courtesy a string of defeats. Moreover, they lost most of their games after getting the opponents by the scruff of their necks. They will now face the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) who have been in thunderous form in this season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Chennai have been in a positive frame of mind ever since the commencement of the tournament. Most importantly, they have been able to hold their nerves even when the chips were down, which subsequently has fetched them quite a few victories. The teams had contrasting fortunes in their last games. The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) demolished Mumbai.

On the other hand, Chennai managed to chase down a steep target against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The track at the MCA Stadium favoured the batsmen last time and is expected to behave the same. Mumbai’s bowling has been lacklustre and has leaked runs. However, they simply cannot afford another shoddy performance, else they might stare at elimination.

Team Combination  

Chennai Super Kings

Chennai are unlikely to make any changes to their playing eleven. Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson remain as the openers. Suresh Raina would want to make amends after faltering against the Challengers. Sam Billings, who played well against the Knights, floundered as well in three games thereafter. MS Dhoni and Dwayne Bravo would again be banked on in the latter overs.

The bowling lineup looks settled as well. Deepak Chahar and Shane Watson have delivered the goods in the fast-bowling department. Imran Tahir bowled well against the Challengers and him along with Harbhajan Singh will be key in the middle overs. Dwayne Bravo has tons of experience on his shoulders and his variations would definitely be required in the death overs

Predicted XI

Ambati Rayudu, Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (C & wk), Sam Billings, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur

Mumbai Indians

The batting department is likely to get a chance to redeem themselves. Suryakumar Yadav and Lewis will open the batting with Ishan Kishan and the skipper Rohit Sharma to follow. Hardik Pandya, who had a horrendous outing against the Sunrisers, will be itching to perform as well. Krunal Pandya and Ben Cutting can also effectively throw their bats around.

Ben Cutting, who might replace Kieron Pollard in the lineup, has to show an all-round performance in order for Mumbai to get a lid on CSK. The left-arm seamers in Mustafizur Rahman and Mitchell McClenaghan will be key to Mumbai’s chances in the game. The spinners in Krunal and Mayank Markande has been impressive and have to replicate their impressive touch as well.

Predicted XI

Suryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma (capt), Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Ben Cutting, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Mustafizur Rahman, Jasprit Bumrah

Players to watch out for

Deepak Chahar- Chennai Super Kings

Chahar has performed exceedingly well with the new ball. He has been entrusted with the new ball and he hasn’t let his team down by any means. Mumbai’s batting has been fidgety and the right-arm seamer has every chance of making inroads into their batting lineup. However, on a batting friendly wicket, it won’t be a cakewalk for him though.

Hardik Pandya- Mumbai Indians

Hardik Pandya had been touted to be an integral element of the Mumbai Indians unit this time, but he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. He suffered a calf-injury owing to which he was ruled out of a couple of games. In the last match against the Sunrisers, he was horrendous. The Baroda cricketer has to get into his groove in order for Mumbai to challenge the might of the Super Kings

Head to Head

Played- 23, Chennai Super Kings – 11, Mumbai Indians– 12, NR/Tie-  0

Stat Attack

Harbhajan Singh took 24 wickets in the IPL against CSK which are the most by any player against CSK in the league. He is playing for CSK in this season.

Broadcast details

TV– Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Jalsha (Bengali), Star Maa Movies (Telegu), Star Sports Tamil

Online– Hotstar & YuppTv

Match Timings: 20:00 IST, 14:30 GMT

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