IPL 2020: Match 1, Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings: Preview, Live Streaming, Timings, Predicted XI, Stats, Pitch Report and more

Cricket finding its feet back is a sight to cheer and celebrate. And there are certainly not many better ways than the IPL to do that.

Published - 18 Sept 2020, 17:59 IST | Updated - 18 Sept 2020, 17:59 IST

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IT IS HERE! Finally, after an arduous, painstaking journey full of ups and downs and setbacks and lows, the 13th edition of Indian Premier League is here with a crackerjack of a contest. The IPL has witnessed many weather this year in the wake of the COVID 19 pandemic. However, the laborious efforts of the BCCI will finally bear fruits as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on the defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the curtain-raiser of this edition at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on 19th September 2020.

The buildup to the tournament for the Men in Yellow has been jittery with two of their mainstays in Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh making themselves unavailable for the entire season. Both of them have unarguably been one of the most significant names in the history of the league and with a left-handed batsman gone from their ranks, CSK will have much to ponder about how to fix their lineup. Further, not having the services of the experienced Harbhajan Singh on the slow and low tracks of UAE would pinch them certainly.

Prior to such announcements, 13 members of their squad – including Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad tested positive, and the latter is yet to recover. All of that aside, a wave of frenzy amongst the Indians and the CSK-lovers is regarding MS Dhoni, who has not featured in a single game ever since India’s 2019 World Cup exit against New Zealand but is ready to roar again.

Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, have had a smooth ride with a settled squad putting in the hard yards during the pre-tournament camp without any pandemic-hiccups. However, the absentee problem has been a concern for them as well, as the legendary Lasith Malinga has cornered himself from the IPL this year. MI must be wary of their dismal record in the UAE as they do not have happy memories playing here.

The last time IPL was shifted to the UAE, MI went onto lost all their games by demeaning margins. Although the entire team has undergone a severe change and with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Pandya brothers coming of age, and Rohit Sharma adding more feathers to his cap, they have transformed into an enviable bunch.

In these times of sheer uncertainty, there are going to be challenges and rumpus aplenty around the IPL. The conditions are different, the venue is changed, and none can clarify how many more unseen turns await us. However, cricket finding its feet back is a sight to cheer and celebrate. And there are certainly not many better ways than the IPL to do that.

Pitch and conditions

The scoring pattern at the venue has not been too high. In 44 T20s, the average 1st innings total has been 137 whereas, in the seven IPL games held at this venue in 2014, the average score was 147. The track at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium has historically helped the spinners. Given the torrid conditions in the UAE, spinners are going to rule the roost in this year’s tournament. However, the fact that a fresh pitch is available for the teams to express themselves on, there will certainly be something for those with the bat in hands as well.

Playing combinations

Chennai Super Kings

In the absence of their batting mainstay, CSK will need to pour in all the experience of Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis in their opening slot. The number 3 conundrum will take some time to settle, however, Ambati Rayudu should be the preferred choice. MS Dhoni could be seen up the order this year, whereas Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Dwayne Bravo will be slotted as the all-rounders.

In Harbhajan Singh’s absence, Piyush Chawla will bring in some experience with him. Imran Tahir had a notable CPL and his guile will certainly reap benefits for CSK in the UAE. After recovering from the COVID halt, Deepak Chahar is expected to partner Shardul Thakur on the pace front.

Predicted XI- Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (C & WK), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, DJ Bravo, Piyush Chawla, Deepak Chahar, Imran Tahir/Lungi Ngidi, Shardul Thakur.

Bench- Murali Vijay, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Monu Kumar, Mitchell Santner, Sam Curran, N Jagadeesan, KM Asif, Karn Sharma, Sai Kishore, Josh Hazlewood, Imran Tahir/Lungi Ngidi.

Mumbai Indians

With skipper Rohit Sharma confirming that he will be opening alongside Quinton de Kock, the speculations over Chris Lynn’s position as an opener have been brought to a pause. MI has enough depth and firepower in their batting lineup with Pandya brothers and Kieron Pollard in the middle-order, whereas Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan will provide them just the right balance at No. 3 and 4.

Youngster Rahul Chahar should get a go-ahead given the nature of the track in the UAE, and he would look to capitalize on the precious chance this year. There are plenty of options in the fast bowling unit for MI, however, for starters, they would prefer pairing Jasprit Bumrah with Trent Boult. Malinga’s replacement, James Pattinson, will sooner or later get a chance. One amongst Nathan Coulter-Nile and Mitchell McClenaghan will complete their pace attack.

Predicted XI- Rohit Sharma (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Nathan Coulter-Nile/Mitchell McClenaghan, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah.

Bench- Saurabh Tiwary, Chris Lynn, Anmolpreet Singh, Sherfane Rutherford, Prince Balwant Rai, Anukul Roy, Aditya Tare, Digvijay Deshmukh, James Pattinson, Mohsin Khan, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jayant Yadav, Nathan Coulter-Nile/Mitchell McClenaghan.