The excitement is unmistakable ahead of Sunday’s IPL clash between arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) — the two most successful teams in the IPL, with a combined 10 titles. Tickets at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium sold out within minutes on the official booking platform, reflecting the fan frenzy the game generates.
The genesis of the rivalry can be traced back to the third season, when CSK defeated MI by 22 runs in the final to claim its maiden title. However, since then, the blue brigade has had the upper hand, leading both in head-to-head (20 wins in 37 meetings) encounters and wins in the final (three wins in four meetings).
With the addition of fresh and familiar faces at the mega auction, both MI and CSK—who finished 10th and fifth, respectively, last season—will look significantly different this year.
Mumbai’s challenges
MI has suffered two significant setbacks in terms of team composition. Its pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, has been ruled out for at least the first three games, while captain Hardik Pandya will miss the opener because of a one-match ban for a slow over rate last season.
Finding a like-for-like replacement for a multidimensional player like Hardik is tough. Domestic talent Raj Angad Bawa might make it into the playing 12. Although not similar in terms of calibre, Bawa possesses an almost identical profile and brings in the left-handed batting aspect as well.
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In Bumrah’s absence, Trent Boult will have to shoulder the responsibility with the new ball. The Kiwi pacer has been one of the most effective bowlers in the PowerPlay, taking 62 wickets in 103 IPL matches.
Rachin Ravindra’s susceptibility against left-hand pacers can be a concern for CSK. The Kiwi all-rounder averages just 12.50 in 11 T20Is, with four dismissals against left-arm fast bowlers and countrymate Boult could pose some significant challenge.
However, beyond Boult, MI’s pace attack lacks depth. Former CSK pacer Deepak Chahar and Reece Topley are potential options, but the absence of a specialist death bowler could leave Mumbai vulnerable in the final five overs. This could be a major factor against former CSK captain MS Dhoni, who has adopted a late-hitting role in recent seasons and boasts a formidable strike rate of 205.42 at the death.
Chennai’s overseas conundrum
CSK faces a selection headache with seven overseas players vying for just four spots. One casualty could be Ruturaj’s preferred opening partner, Devon Conway. Given his recent form and the all-round value that Sam Curran offers, the management may lean towards the latter. Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad and Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana could be the other two overseas selections.
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Meanwhile, Mumbai’s overseas lineup seems more settled. Ryan Rickelton is expected to open alongside the aggressive Rohit Sharma, while Mitchell Santner, Boult, and either Topley or Will Jacks are likely to fill the remaining foreign slots.
The Chepauk factor
Chepauk is one of the few venues where the introduction of the Impact Player rule has not significantly altered run rates. The pitch’s inherent slowness and CSK’s spin-heavy attack have played a crucial role in maintaining this trend.
With veteran spinner R. Ashwin back in the mix, CSK is likely to employ a four-spinner approach, featuring Ravindra Jadeja, Noor Ahmad, and Ashwin, with Ravindra chipping in if necessary.
FILE PHOTO: A view of the M A Chidambaram Cricket Stadium at Chepauk in Chennai.
| Photo Credit:
PICHUMANI K
FILE PHOTO: A view of the M A Chidambaram Cricket Stadium at Chepauk in Chennai.
| Photo Credit:
PICHUMANI K
“Last year, we couldn’t try out spinners as much as we would’ve wanted because of our combination. We had (Matheesha) Pathirana and Mustafizur (Rahman), so we couldn’t utilise both Maheesh Theekshana and Mitchell Santner. But now Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja are there alongside Noor, who’s right up there. So hopefully, if the conditions are right, they will be a great threat to the opposition,” Captain Ruturaj said during the pre-match press conference.
MI skipper Suryakumar Yadav, though, feels his side has the firepower to counter the slow surface. “We have had batters who could play spin pretty well, and we’ve brought in new names during the auction as well. The surface here looks pretty good and slightly different than what we’re used to. It looks like a good wicket, and I think it’ll be a good game tomorrow,” he said.
For MI to triumph, it must start aggressively and navigate the spin stranglehold in the middle overs. Meanwhile, CSK will look to capitalise on home advantage and bank on its middle order to deliver an opening win.