IPL 2023, MI vs CSK: Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XIs, Fantasy Tips & Prediction
The eyes will be on Tilak Varma [Source: IPLT20.com]
After a series of nail-biting contests, it's time to witness the mother of all battles which every cricket aficionado awaits during the IPL season. Yes, you guessed it right; it's going to be a blockbuster day for fans across the globe, as two arch-rivals, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, will lock horns with each other in match 12 of the IPL 2023 on Saturday.
Team Preview: Mumbai Indians
MI lost to RCB in their first game [Source: Associated Press]
The most successful IPL franchise, Mumbai Indians, had a poor start to their IPL 2023 campaign, incurring a heavy eight-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore.
As expected, their top-order disappointed them to the core, with Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav recording low scores. Besides that, their bowling looked absolutely ordinary, as the likes of Jofra Archer and Jason Behrendorff were clobbered by Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis to all parts of the ground.
However, there were some positives for the five-time champions- Tilak Varma's commendable ability to thrive under pressure, Nehal Wadhera's cameo and Arshad Khan's all-round impact- being the most prominent ones.
So, moving on to this game, MI would like better returns from their core players, particularly Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jofra Archer and Jason Behrendorff.
Team Preview: Chennai Super Kings
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CSK won their last game against DC [Source: AP]
On the contrary, Chennai Super Kings must have mixed emotions from the kind of start they have got in the tournament. After losing the tournament opener convincingly to Gujarat Titans, the MS Dhoni-led outfit secured a narrow 12-run win over Lucknow Super Giants in their backyard.
While Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway seem to be in sublime touch, Ambati Rayudu proved his mettle in the previous game with a priceless knock. Furthermore, with MS Dhoni, Shivam Dube and Moeen Ali playing useful cameos, CSK's batting looks competent, at least on paper.
However, the biggest disappointment for the men in yellow has been the abysmal form of their two premier all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Ben Stokes, who are yet to make a statement in the tournament.
Also, despite the win, their bowling hasn't been convincing, as they have some glaring loopholes- including death bowling. So, skipper Dhoni would certainly want his troops to put up an improved show with the ball in this high-voltage face off.
Match Details
Date & Time: April 8, 07.30 PM IST
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Live Streaming: Jio Cinema & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report: The surface in Wankhede will have something in it for the fast bowlers, as the ball will swing in the air and move off the deck. However, the pace and bounce will be favourable for stroke play. So, the batters should see off the new-ball spell and capitalise on the batting-friendly conditions later. The toss-winner will likely bowl first at the venue.
Probable Playing XIs
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Nehal Wadhera, Tim David, Hrithik Shokeen, Arshad Khan, Jofra Archer, Jason Behrendorff, Kumar Kartikeya/Piyush Chawla
Impact Player Probables: Ramandeep Singh, Vishnu Vinod, Shams Mulani, Sandeep Warrier
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Shivam Dube, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Deepak Chahar, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Sisanda Magala
Impact Player Probables: Subhranshu Senapati, Ajinkya Rahane, Tushar Deshpande, Shaik Rasheed
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keeper: Devon Conway
Batters: Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ambati Rayudu, Ruturaj Gaikwad
All-Rounders: Moeen Ali, Cameron Green
Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Deepak Chahar/Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Jason Behrendorff, Sisanda Magala
Captain: Jofra Archer/Devon Conway
Vice-Captain: Tilak Varma
Prediction
Toss will play a crucial role as the team bowling first will have an advantage. However, considering their recent form and strength on paper, we reckon Chennai Super Kings will emerge triumphant in this clash.
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