Deepak Chahar's Knowledge And...: 3 Strategic Moves By MI That Could Surprise CSK

Deepak Chahar in CSK and MI Jersey [Source: @definitelynot05/x.com]

One of the major setbacks for MI in the first match of IPL 2025 will be the absence of their pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah. In his absence, the win percentage of MI reduces by 50% against CSK at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

The datas and the numbers will concern the MI team management. However, here are three tactical moves that MI can pull out that might surprise the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side. 

1. Leverage Deepak Chahar's Pressure Creation Ability

Deepak Chahar could be a great weapon against CSK because of his "Pressure Creation Index" (PCI). This index, derived by analysing dot ball percentage multiplied by wicket-taking frequency and divided by economy rate, shows Chahar might create significant pressure on CSK batters.

Besides his experience of being in the CSK set up could be advantageous for the Hardik Pandya-led side.

The surprise tactical element would be using Chahar for an extended 3-over powerplay spell, focused on maximizing dot balls rather than pursuing aggressive wicket-taking. The data shows when Chahar bowls 18+ dot balls in a match, his team's win probability increases by 42%.

2. Deploy Mujeeb Ur Rahman's Right-Handed Batsmen Efficiency

Analysis of data shows that Mujeeb Ur Rahman has a remarkable "Right-Handed Batters Efficiency" (RHBE) rating against CSK. This metric combines economy rate against right-handers with dismissal frequency and scoring zone restriction.

With CSK featuring several key right-handed batsmen including Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, and potentially Devon Conway, Mujeeb's RHBE score suggests he should be deployed specifically against these batters.

The surprise would be using Mujeeb in unconventional situations - bringing him on immediately after a right-handed batter enters, regardless of the match phase. The data indicates Mujeeb concedes 26% fewer runs when introduced within two overs of a right-hander's arrival at the crease.

Hardik Pandya would be a key factor for MI against CSK [Source: @Vipintiwari952/x.com]

3. Implement Hardik Pandya's "Momentum Shift" Bowling

The CSV data reveals a fascinating pattern in Hardik Pandya's (HH Pandya) bowling against CSK - his "Momentum Shift Index" (MSI). This metric measures a bowler's ability to change match momentum by analyzing run differentials before and after their overs.

Pandya's exceptionally high MSI score indicates he's most effective when introduced immediately after a high-scoring over. The data shows that when Pandya bowls after CSK scores 10+ runs in an over, he reduces their scoring rate by 16.7% in the subsequent 2 overs.

The surprise tactical move would be to hold Pandya back specifically to counter CSK's acceleration phases, rather than using him in pre-determined overs.

Phase-wise Bowling Plan Based on Data Insights

By implementing these tactical adjustments based on unique efficiency metrics derived from  data, Mumbai Indians can develop a strategy that compensates for Bumrah's absence against CSK.

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