MI will collide against CSK [iplt20.com]
Match 49 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) will witness two of the most successful franchises — Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI)— lock horns against each at Chepauk on Saturday in a blockbuster clash. Both teams are separated by only one point in the standings, with CSK in third with 11 and MI in sixth with 10.
In their earlier encounter this season, MS Dhoni's troops breached MI's fortress Wankhede and handed Rohit Sharma and Co. a comprehensive seven-wicket defeat.
Team Preview
Chennai Super Kings
CSK were handed a narrow-final over loss by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their last home match, however, with the return of Deepak Chahar, their bowling does get a power-up.
The trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, and Maheesh Theekshana have been CSK's most lethal weapons, with Dhoni using them accordingly based on the opposition as seen against Lucknow Super Giants.
Against big hitters of MI, spinners will once again be at the forefront of CSK's bowling attack. The only concern for the hosts is the form of Ambati Rayudu and Jadeja, who are yet to hit fourth gear.
Mumbai Indians
With almost every batter coming into form, Mumbai's power-heavy line-up looks formidable. Sharma and his band of boys are currently on a two-match winning spree and will want to continue this against CSK as well.
Sharma's form with the bat is worrying for the visitors, however, Ishan Kishan gaining confidence from his last outing holds him in good stead.
Jofra Archer will again be the focus of Mumbai's bowling prowess, as the England speedster is to produce any match-winning spell. Piyush Chawla will be a key to dismantling CSK's batting attack, which is vulnerable to spinners.
Match Details
Date & Time: May 6, 3:30 PM IST
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Live Streaming and Broadcasting: Jio Cinema & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report
The track Chepauk has produced both high and low-scoring thrillers this season. However, most matches have been on the higher side, with teams finding it difficult to bat second due to the slight slowness of the pitch as the game progresses. Expect another enthralling match on offer.
Probable Playing XIs
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk & c), Deepak Chahar, Matheesha Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande, and Maheesh Theekshana
Impact Players Substitutes
Ambati Rayudu, Mitch Santner, S Senapati, Shaik Rasheed, Akash Singh
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma(c), Ishan Kishan(wk), Cameron Green, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Suryakumar Yadav, Nehal Wadhera, Jofra Archer, Piyush Chawla, Akash Madhwal, and Arshad Khan
Impact Players Substitutes
Kumar Kartikeya, Dewald Brevis, Vishnu Vinod, Ramandeep Singh, Tristan Stubbs
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-keepers: Ishan Kishan, Devon Conway
Batters: Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube
All-rounders: Cameron Green, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja
Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Piyush Chawla
Captain: Devon Conway
Vice-captain: Suryakumar Yadav
Prediction
CSK in-home conditions are almost undefeatable, while MI running high on a two-match winning streak. Given Dhoni's overall team balance, CSK holds a slight edge.