Why MI And CSK Will Only Face Each Other Once In IPL 2024?

MS Dhoni looks on as Rohit Sharma innovates during MI vs CSK's IPL 2024 bout (BCCI)MS Dhoni looks on as Rohit Sharma innovates during MI vs CSK's IPL 2024 bout (BCCI)

Defending champions CSK sealed a 20-run win in a high-scoring thriller over perennial rivals Mumbai Indians in match number 29 of the IPL 2024 season on April 14.

Staged at the Wankhede Stadium, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and all-rounder Shivam Dube crashed identical 60s before MS Dhoni enthralled a packed crowd with three successive sixes in the final over of the innings.

In response, Rohit Sharma drilled 105 unbeaten runs in the run-chase and shared hostile stands with opening partner Ishan Kishan, number four Tilak Varma and overseas star Mohammad Nabi. Unfortunately for Sharma and for the hosts, Hardik Pandya and co. fell 20 runs short of their target as they failed to counter CSK seamer Matheesha Pathirana (4-28).

Interestingly, Mumbai Indians’ high-octane IPL 2024 clash against CSK from April 14 might well turn out to be the only meeting between the two sides this year, considering there are no more scheduled MI vs CSK faceoffs on offer, at least in the league stage.

Why are CSK, MI facing each other only once? IPL 2024 format explained

Mumbai Indians (Group A) and defending champions Chennai Super Kings (Group B) are placed in different groups this IPL 2024 season. As per the scheduling format, each team will play eight matches against the other four teams (both home and away) within their own group.

Moreover, teams will play only once against four teams from the other group, and twice against the remaining fifth side from that group. In Mumbai Indians case, they are slated to face SRH from Group B twice this season.

Considering the format regulations, Mumbai Indians and CSK will not be facing each other again this year, at least in the league stage. The two teams might well collide yet again if they managed to secure a playoffs berth.