Follow UsThe last time Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians faced each other, things were vastly different. Those were still early days in the tournament, which have always been Mumbai’s Achilles heel. Chennai won quite comfortably, winning their second game in a row. Mumbai lost their second successive game, pushing themselves into a hole early in the tournament.
The mood in both camps have changed. It’s the second half of the tournament. Mumbai are of course doing better. They have won two in a row. Both were fabulous wins where they razed down 200+ totals in a breeze.
Chennai, on the other hand, have slipped. They haven’t won a game in their last three fixtures. On the opposite end of the spectrum to Mumbai, Chennai have conceded 200+ totals in consecutive games and lost both. Their previous game was a washout. But a grimace on Dhoni’s face, when Deepak Chahar conceded a boundary in the 19th over, told you that the opposition is ahead of the par score.
On the points table, Chennai is only one point ahead of Mumbai and have played a game extra. That is what makes this game so valuable. Another loss for Chennai will push them to number four. And Mumbai will get there for the first time in the season, after starting their year with two defeats in a row. The table will turn upside down regarding these two teams.
Unfortunately, the rain gods are as interested in the game. The storm in Chennai puts this fixture under threat to be washed out. That will make it the fourth game for the hosts without a win.
Things to watch out
How will Mumbai tackle Chennai’s spin threat?
Mumbai have chased 200+ totals in their two games but Chennai’s home venue, Chepauk, will offer a different challenge. Mumbai have so far played on good batting pitches - their home venue at the Wankhede, Mohali, Hyderabad and a few more. Chennai, however, has been low and slow. Mumbai have not played that kind of bowling a lot this season which has allowed their power-hitters to flourish.
The Chepauk has the third-lowest batting average against spin among all venues. And MS Dhoni is a master in marshaling his troops when the pitch has grip and turn.
In their last clash itself, Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner picked five wickets between them for only 48 runs in eight overs. Chennai would be eyeing to sting Mumbai with spin again.
How is Chahar holding up?
Deepak Chahar featured in the last game for Chennai after missing seven fixtures in between. But his return was not a sight to behold. The right-arm pacer conceded 0/41 in his four overs including 20 runs in his final over. Moreover, he bowled at an average speed of only 124.3 kph.
Was Chahar fully fit or Chennai took a punt on him given their status quo with the ball was challenged in the previous two games?
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Chahar was a straight swap for Akash Singh. A left-arm pacer, Akash, played six matches and bowled 15 of his 19 overs in the powerplay picking only three wickets. Chennai have the third worst bowling average in the powerplay and thus, Chahar bowling at his best becomes crucial for the four-time champions. Given Mumbai’s batting, you cannot afford to give them a good start.
Ground Conditions
The MA Chidambaram Stadium is where the spinners are traditionally known to have a huge say and this season is no different. The spinners have struck once every 23.4 runs, 17.5 deliveries apart and have conceded 8 an over - numbers that are overwhelmingly better than the fast bowlers.
Chennai will play three spin bowling options in Jadeja, Mahesh Theekshana and Moeen Ali. Mumbai will rely on Piyush Chawla.
The average first innings score here has been 182 in the four matches so far.
Tactical Nous
Chennai will have to find a way to fox Suryakumar Yadav. Left-arm spin seems to be their best option. Thus, Ravindra Jadeja will be in play. Jadeja has been in great form at the Chepauk, picking seven wickets at 12.7 runs apiece.
His strong record against Surya will also lend him confidence. In IPL, Jadeja has dismissed Surya thrice, allowing only 44 runs off 56 deliveries.
Chennai should also be careful not to expose Maheesh Theekshana in front of Surya. The Mumbai batter has never been out to the mystery spinner while collecting 59 runs from him off 40 deliveries. That is the second most number of deliveries any batter has faced against Theekshana without getting out in T20 cricket.
Jadeja has also dismissed Rohit Sharma thrice in IPL, making him a crucial player in this clash.
Probable XIs
Mumbai may look to draft in an extra spinner for the conditions. That puts Hrithik Shokeen in the limelight. But whom does he come in for? Mumbai’s pace attack has not fired and it won’t be a surprise if Jofra Archer sits out after a poor outing in the last game. Chennai, meanwhile, are expected to continue with similar plans.
Chennai Super Kings: Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajnkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c/wk), Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma ( c ), Ishan Kishan (wk), Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Nehal Wadhera, Piyush Chawla, Jofra Archer, Arshad Khan/Hrithik Shokeen