MI vs CSK: Preview, head-to-head records and pitch report
The IPL 2019 is in a crucial phase now. The match number 15 would witness the clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday. Skippers Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni enjoy an intense rivalry as the tie promises to be a thriller. Here we present the match preview, head-to-head records and pitch report.
MI off to a poor start, CSK sailing through
Considering the performance of these two sides, Mumbai are coming off a loss. They lost their last match by eight wickets to Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Mohali. As for CSK, they won their last tie, against Rajasthan Royals (RR) by eight runs in Chennai. While CSK continue to sit on the top of the table, MI are down to seventh for now.
Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni in focus
CSK skipper MS Dhoni is enjoying a good form, as he played a match-winning innings of 75* in the last game, putting him in focus on Wednesday. From Mumbai, Rohit Sharma forms the backbone of the line-up. He hasn't delivered the goods yet but this can change tonight. While MI might contemplate changes in their XI, CSK are likely to field the same squad.
MI hold slender edge over CSK
Without a doubt, MI and CSK have been the most successful teams in the history of IPL. However, it is MI which hold an advantage over CSK. In 24 IPL matches, MI have 13 wins, while CSK have 11. Out of 21 matches in India, MI have won 12. Further, as for 11 matches in Mumbai, MI have won six, with CSK winning five.
A sporting track awaits at Wankhede
As far as the Wankhede track is concerned, although it is traditionally known to suit batsmen, it has also been favoring the bowlers, especially spinners, this term. While the pitch is expected to turn during the initial phase, it would gradually become easier to bat. Hence, the team winning the toss would definitely look to chase.
Here's the predicted Playing XI
Mumbai Indians: Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Yuvraj Singh, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga. Chennai Super Kings: Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (captain), Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur and Imran Tahir.
When, where and how to watch
Match: Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Time: 8 PM (IST). Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1, 2, Select 1 and other regional channels of Star Sports. Where to watch (Online): Hotstar.
