IPL 2018: Match 1, MI vs CSK, Preview- Chennai mark their comeback against defending champs

Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have had contrasting fortunes in the previous season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). While Rohit Sharma’s men raced to their third championship last year, the Chennai franchise was reeling after their being handed a ban of two years owing to match-fixing and corruption scandals.

Nevertheless, while CSK would want to reinstate their presence in the league, MI would want to carry over from where they left the event. Both teams were pretty active during the retention ceremony as well as the auction and have roped in some utility players. The pitch at Wankhede has traditionally favoured the batsmen and it won’t spring a surprise if the event begins with a run fest.

Mumbai Indians would start as favourites, being the defending champions and having retained their gun players from their previous squads. However, the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led team are no pushovers and Mumbai can’t afford any blemishes against the two-time IPL champions. Meanwhile, a jam-packed stadium is expected at the Wankhede.

Toss: CSK won the toss and elected to bowl first

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Evin Lewis, Ishan Kishan(w), Rohit Sharma(c), Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Suryakumar Yadav, Krunal Pandya, Mayank Markande, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mustafizur Rahman, Jasprit Bumrah

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Deepak Chahar, Imran Tahir, Mark Wood

Team Combination

Mumbai Indians

Evin Lewis and Ishan Kishan are the likely openers for the franchise. Rohit Sharma comes next, who has to lead the team from the front followed by Suryakumar Yadav who is returning to Mumbai after his stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Krunal Pandya’s composed temperament with the willow also needs to come to the fore. Meanwhile, Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya also need to deliver for the Indians.

The bowling lineup has variations. Mustafizur Rahman and either of Pat Cummins and Ben Cutting are the primary pacers with Jasprit Bumrah most likely to be entrusted to bowl in the death overs. The spin department has left-arm tweaker Krunal and young leg-spinner Rahul Chahar. The medium pace of Hardik and Pollard might also be required for Mumbai.

Chennai Super Kings

Murali Vijay and Faf du Plessis are experienced in playing the new ball and hence their choice as the openers won’t spring a surprise. The middle order is vastly experienced with the likes of Suresh Raina, Shane Watson and MS Dhoni in the ranks with Jadhav, Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo to follow. Also, Mark Wood has recently scored a breezy Test half-century, which manifests CSKs depth in batting.

Shardul Thakur and Mark Wood are likely to share the new ball while Dwayne Bravo would be expected to bring forth his variations in the final overs. Harbhajan Singh is the most experienced spinner and needs to shoulder responsibilities. Jadeja and Jadhav will also be required to roll their arms over. They also have Raina and Watson as their bowling options.

Players to watch out for

Rohit Sharma- Mumbai Indians

Rohit Sharma has three titles under his kitty and recently he had an impressive run lately, in the T20 format having led India to victory in the tri-nation series. Mumbai will be hoping to start on a winning note and Rohit Sharma’s role with the willow will be crucial for Mumbai to get their opposition by the scruff of their neck.

MS Dhoni- Chennai Super Kings

Last year saw the only occasion when MS Dhoni didn’t lead a side in the IPL. However, CSK have always backed him and he hasn’t let his team down by any means. However, with the willow, he hasn’t quite been at his stupendous best. Nevertheless, bearing in mind his skills, Mumbai Indians can’t afford to be complacent against the veteran.

Head to Head

Played- 22, Mumbai Indians- 12, Chennai Super Kings- 10, NR/Tie- 0

Match Timings

Local Time- 20:00 IST, 14:30 GMT

Broadcast Details

TV– Star Sports, Star Jalsha, Star Maa

Online– Hotstar & YuppTv

Stat Attack

Harbhajan Singh took 24 wickets in the IPL against CSK which are the most by any player against CSK in the league. He will play for CSK in this season.

You can watch the live streaming on YuppTv