IPL 2020: Gautam Gambhir believes Mumbai Indians have the upper hand against CSK in the opening game

Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni will be the first two captains to walk on the field on September 19 as the Indian Cricket resumes in the UAE. It would seem weird but such has been the situation due to the pandemic that it will also feel odd to see cricket’s superstars playing in front of empty stadiums. But this is the way the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will take place this year.

With only four days left for the tournament to get underway, the experts have started analysing the teams. Former India Gautam Gambhir has given his views on the opening game of the IPL 2020 between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). It has been a fierce rivalry between the two teams over the years and it is fitting that the much-awaited season will be starting with a game between them.

While the fans will be supporting their favourite teams, Gambhir reckons the defending champions MI have the upper hand over CSK in the opener. He felt that the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult will take the new ball for the Rohit Sharma-led side and the duo could prove lethal against the Men in Yellow. He also pointed out the CSK’s one of the openers, Shane Watson, hasn’t played much cricket in recent times.

“I am very excited to see how Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah will be bowling together with the new ball. Because Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult are world-class bowlers and both of them are wicket-taking options in T20 cricket. A left-arm seamer who brings the ball in for right-handers and Jasprit Bumrah who is unorthodox,” Gautam Gambhir said while speaking in the latest episode of Star Sports Cricket Connected.

Suresh Raina not at number 3 will be a huge loss, says Gautam Gambhir

The cricketer-turned-politician also felt that CSK will miss their most consistent player, Suresh Raina, at number three in the line-up. Raina pulled out of the whole tournament late last month and though there are chances of his return, the southpaw looks set to miss at least the first week of the tournament. Pointing out at the depth of MI’s squad, Gautam Gambhir concluded that the four-time champions will go in as favourites.

“It will be a huge challenge for Chennai Super Kings as they don’t have Suresh Raina at No.3, plus Shane Watson does not play much international cricket and has not played cricket for a long time, so how he plays against Bumrah and Trent Boult. We will also have to see with whom he would be opening the batting.

“I feel the Mumbai Indians have the upper hand if you see the balance and depth of the squad. They have also added Trent Boult to their squad, who will give them a very good option,” he added.