Tilak Varma after a superb fifty against RCB (AP Photo)
It is time for El-Classico of the IPL as Mumbai Indians take on Chennai Super Kings in game number 12 of IPL 2023. Mumbai Indians were defeated comprehensively in their first game against RCB and now as they are back at their den, Wankhede Stadium, they would be hoping to make a strong comeback.
They are lacking firepower in their bowling attack while their top-order too failed miserably and it was only because of the efforts of Tilak Varma that they got to a respectable total.
Let's now see the predicted XI of Mumbai Indians for the all-important clash against CSK:-
Openers
Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan
Mumbai Indians are likely to continue with their tried and tested opening combination of Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan. However, both could not make an impact in the first game and have not been at their best in recent times. They need to score runs for their team against a strong team like CSK.
Middle-Order
Cameron Green
The Australian all-rounder is their big-ticket player this season and would be batting at an all-important number 3 position for his side. He is a powerful hitter and would be looking to live up to the expectations of his franchise and their fans. He is a handy bowler too and is likely to play a key role for MI this season.
Suryakumar Yadav
India's Mr.360 has suffered a dip in form recently after creating a lot of buzz in 2022 due to his mesmerizing strokeplay. He has been a consistent run-scorer for Mumbai Indians over the years and has all the talent to change the game with his brilliant skills.
Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma playing a shot against RCB (AP Photo)
He was the saviour for MI in the first game with his fantastic 84 off 46 balls and did the same job for them in the whole 2022 season. He has shown a great ability to deliver under pressure and once again will play a key role for his side in the middle order.
Nehal Wadhera
A young man born in Ludhiana, Punjab made his IPL debut in the last game against RCB. He played an impressive knock of 21 off 13 balls when the team was under the pump. So, expect MI management to back the talented young player.
Tim David
David is MI's most trusted finisher now and they would hope that he does exactly what Pollard was doing for them over the course of last decade. He has scored runs all-around the globe and showed his ability in the last edition of IPL too, which makes him a hot asset for MI.
Bowlers
Hrithik Shokeen
The off-spinning all-rounder was one of the bright spots for MI last season but had a forgettable first game this season. CSK have lot of left-handers and Hrithik's off-spin will play a crucial role against them.
Piyush Chawla
The veteran leg-spinner has not played regularly in IPL in the last few seasons but displayed some great control and skills against RCB. He was the only one who was economical for MI and a lot will depend on how he goes about his business against CSK.
Jofra Archer
Jofra Archer during his spell against RCB in IPL 2023 (AP Photo)
The pacer has recently made a comeback into competitive cricket and is yet to find his top form. However, he is a quality bowler and the pitch in Wankhede is also expected to help him with good bounce and carry. His four overs will be crucial for MI.
Arshad Khan
Arshad Khan was another player along with Nehal who made his debut in the last game. He could not make much impact but has the talent and ability to swing the ball with that left-arm angle. Expect MI to go with Khan against CSK too.
Now, let us look at the probable list of five players who can be used as an IMPACT PLAYER:-
Ramandeep Singh
Shams Mulani
Jason Behrendorff
Sandeep Warrier
Vishnu Vinod
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