Mumbai Indians will be looking to get back to winning ways and get back to number one spot when they take on a struggling Chennai Super Kings at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. CSK’s journey has been one full of struggles and as Stephen Fleming said after the last match that his ageing side might have run out of juice this year after performing well for the last two years. MI would hope that Rohit would be back to fitness and would lead the side.
Both the shores brimming to make the most of now. 🦁💛 #WhistlePodu #Yellove #WhistleFromHome #CSKvMI pic.twitter.com/ukP5R4uiqg
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 23, 2020
Their batting has not depended on one batsman as everyone from top six have contributed at some point. De Kock who has been in splendid form while Rohit, Suryakumar and Kishan also had a couple of good innings. Their lower middle order is secured with Pollard along with Pandya brothers have scored runs briskly. MI bowling unit have been doing well but might think of bringing Pattinson in place of Coulter Nile who has been very expensive. Rahul and Krunal has kept things tight in middle overs.
Chennai have been below par in their performances and are at bottom of the table. Their campaign has gone from bad to worse and they might try some youngsters. Kedar Jadhav who has been getting a lot of flak might get replaced by a Jagdeesan or a Gaikwad. They have lacked intent in batting and have been way behind the game by almost half of second innings. Many had suggested that the old army will struggle and that has happened with the hot conditions also making it tough for them physically.
Dhoni after losing the last match against Royals conceded that his team are already out of playoffs race. CSK can still reach 14 points and end their disastrous season on a high but looking at the morale it looks out of reach for them. Their batting has been the biggest cause of worry with no one apart from Du Plessis has been consistent. Watson has gone past his prime, Rayudu has blown hot and cold & Dhoni himself has struggled and hasn’t got a substantial score under his belt.
Curran has been consistent and perhaps the lone bright star with both bat and ball. Their bowling has done marginally better with Chahar, Curran taking wickets. Spinners have struggled to take wickets and that has not helped their cause. CSK can still have slimmest of chances for number 4 position but for that to happen they have to win their remaining four matches and also depend on results of other matches as well. CSK look a dejected unit and chances of winning very less so MI start as overwhelming favourites for the clash.
