CSK vs MI: Preview, Dream11, head-to-head and pitch report
Chennai Super Kings host Mumbai Indians in match number 44 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019. CSK are on top of the proceedings this season with 16 points. MI are on third place and will look to enhance their playoffs qualification. It promises to be an enticing battle. Here is the detailed match preview.
Head-to-head meetings between the two teams
These two teams have met each other 27 times in the tournament. MI have emerged victorious on 15 occasions, while the Super Kings have managed to win 12 matches.
Dream11: Rohit and Bravo lead the show
Rohit Sharma gets the nod as the skipper of this fantasy XI side. Quinton de Kock adds support as his opening partner. Shane Watson, Suryakumar Yadav and Suresh Raina form the middle order. Krunal Pandya and Dwayne Bravo (vice-captain) are the two all-rounders. The bowling department is loaded with in-form bowlers like Rahul Chahar, Imran Tahir, Jasprit Bumrah and the consistent Deepak Chahar.
CSK will be looking to get the job done
CSK go into the match as favorites. They have been top class at home and understand the conditions well. The consistency and form will help CSK gain control. We have seen different players take the initiative for CSK with the bat. The bowling has been consistent and could trouble a lacklustre MI middle order. CSK are well balanced in both pace and spin departments.
MI need to produce overall substance against CSK
MI will be hoping to build on the previous victory earned against CSK this season. Rohit Sharma has a stern test in his hand. MI's batting need to click against a star-studded CSK bowling line-up. MI's middle order in particular is the weak link. Meanwhile, MI have bowled well throughout. A lot will depend on lead spinner Rahul Chahar and all-rounder Krunal Pandya.
Predicted Playing XI and possible winner
Predicted CSK starting XI: Faf du Plessis, Watson, Raina, Rayudu, Dhoni (captain and wicket-keeper), Jadhav, Jadeja, Bravo, Chahar, Harbhajan and Tahir. Predicted MI starting XI: Rohit (captain), De Kock (wicket-keeper), Surya, Cutting, Pollard, Krunal, Hardik. Rahul, Bumrah, Behrendorff and Markande. We feel CSK will pull this through. They look strong and certain at home, besides being the in-form side.
Pitch report, TV listing and timing
The pitch at the Chepauk Stadium will assist spinners at large. Expect both teams to be heavy in this department. Batsmen will need to apply themselves well on this surface. Anything around 160 will be challenging. The match is scheduled to start at 8:00 PM IST. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and can stream the same on Hotstar.
