Hit or flop: Analysing performance of IPL stars who have played for both MI and CSK

Players to play for both MI and CSK (Source: @cricbuzz,@MIPaltanFamily,@Sivy_Raina3/X)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are two of the most successful sides in the IPL, with five titles each to their names. Both sides have had some of the best players to have played for them. 

Other than all the big names like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo, and others for CSK and Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Sachin Tendulkar, and others for MI, there have been many players who have played in the IPL for both the teams. 

The way both MI and CSK function is completely different. The Mumbai-based franchise focuses a lot on data, planning, and tactics, while, on the other hand, the Super Kings are known for their relaxed approach and backing their players. 

We'll talk about such players and see how they have performed for each franchise in the Indian Premier League. 

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Michael Hussey

Star Australian batter, also known as Mr Cricket, Michael Hussey, has played for both MI and CSK. Hussey was a key member of the Chennai Super Kings from 2008 to 2013, then he went to play for the Mumbai Indians in 2014 before coming back to CSK for 2015 ahead of his IPL retirement. 

Hussey was very successful for CSK, also winning the Orange Cap in 2013 (733 runs). But he was not very successful in his only season for MI. 

Although it might not be fair to compare his performances for both franchises, as he played for MI for only one season, that too, towards the end of his career. 

Michael Hussey in IPL for CSK and MI

Verdict: Hit for CSK, Flop for MI

Harbhajan Singh 

One of the best off-spinners in cricket history, Harbhajan Singh, has also played for both MI and CSK. He has played mainly for the Mumbai Indians (2008-2017) and then moved to CSK for two seasons, 2018-2019. 

While there is a huge difference in the sample size to compare his performances for both sides, Harbhajan did a decent job for CSK during his two years in yellow. Harbhajan has won IPL titles for both franchises.

Harbhajan Singh in IPL for MI and CSK

Verdict: Hit for MI, average for CSK

Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu has played for only two teams (MI and CSK) in the IPL and has won multiple titles for both the franchises. Rayudu was a key batter for MI in the middle-order from 2010-2017, winning three titles for the team. 

Then he shifted to CSK, where he started as a top-order batter and then went on to play in the middle order. Rayudu won the IPL title in 2018 and 2023 while playing for CSK. He's one of those players who have been very successful for both MI and CSK. 

Ambati Rayudu for MI in IPL

Verdict: Hit for MI, Hit for CSK

Mitchell Santner

Mitchell Santner is arguably the best left-arm orthodox bowler in white ball cricket. He was with the Chennai Super Kings from 2019 to 2024, but played only 18 games in 5 years. 

Mitchell Santner in action during IPL 2025 (Source: @MIPaltanFamily/X)

The Mumbai Indians then got the Kiwi spinner in the last mega auction and he played 13 games for MI in IPL 2025. 

Santner never got consistent opportunities at CSK as Ravindra Jadeja was already there, but he was MI's lead spinner in the last edition of the IPL. 

Mitchell Santner in IPL for CSK and MI in IPL

Verdict: Flop for CSK, Good for MI

Dewald Brevis

Dewald Brevis is currently the favourite player among CSK fans, as he lit up the IPL 2025 after being signed as a replacement player by the MS Dhoni-led franchise. Brevis is very young but has decent experience in the IPL. 

He was first signed by MI in 2022 before being released after the 2024 season, where he didn't live up to the expectations. 

Brevis has been in excellent form lately and looks to be a key player for the Super Kings franchise going ahead. 

Dewald Brevis in IPL for MI and CSK in IPL

Verdict: Flop for MI, Hit for CSK

Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo began his IPL career with MI in 2008 before joining CSK in 2011. Bravo's career saw a boost when he moved to CSK, as the West Indian all-rounder won the Purple Cap twice (2013 and 2015). 

He was a core player for the Super Kings franchise and also won 3 titles in the yellow jersey, contributing with both bat, ball and on the field.

Dwayne Bravo for MI and CSK in IPL

Verdict: Flop for MI, Hit for CSK

These were some of the many players who have played for both MI and CSK. Only a handful of players have played for both franchises in the IPL. 

The likes of Michael Hussey and Dwayne Bravo were match-winners for CSK, but didn't do that well at the Mumbai Indians.

Deepak Chahar was picked up by the Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2025, and now they've traded in Shardul Thakur from LSG ahead of IPL 2026. It will be interesting to see how Thakur performs at MI.

Players like Dewald Brevis and Mitchell Santner seem to have found a new life in the IPL after switching their respective franchises. 

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