MI vs CSK Preview: Can Mumbai Indians' bowling step up against batting might of CSK?

MI vs CSK Preview: Mumbai Indians look to take home advantage against CSK in pursuit of their first win of IPL 2023

5-time champions against the 4-time champions, the top two teams of IPL, the El Clasico of IPL, call whatever you may want, the biggest clash of the Indian Premier League is all set to take place between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on 8th April at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

One of the most anticipated clashes in any IPL edition, the games between MI and CSK have a rich history of excitement and thrill. In IPL 2022, Dhoni's masterclass as a finisher came to the fore once again as many rejoiced in his finishing touches against Jaydev Unadkat. In the next game, MI had their revenge, in quite a dominating fashion. Although both of these teams had an odious season last time, they will be hoping to live up to the expectations this time around and especially CSK with the narrative of Dhoni's last IPL in constant limelight.

Both teams did not have the best starts to their IPL 2023 campaign. Although CSK managed to claim a win in their second game against Lucknow Super Giants, Rohit Sharma's MI will hope to make the most out of their home conditions in the game against CSK. As has been the trend for Mumbai Indians over the years in IPL, expect them to bounce back hard after losing their first game.

At the M Chinnaswammy Stadium in Bangalore against RCB, the blue and gold threads were in the backseat for the majority of the game. The young and promising talent of Tilak Varma was the only batter who stood tall. Nehal Wadhera, who made his IPL debut also displayed his skills. Apart from that, the bowlers as well looked out of sorts. Playing in front of their home crowd, the MI setup will hope for a turnaround in things.

On the other hand, CSK are once again on an away mission. This time against the sturdy unit of MI. With the form on their side, MS Dhoni & Co. will be confident of going into this fixture though they have a few underlying concerns they will have to address soon.

MI vs CSK: Pitch Report:

Wankhede is a high-scoring venue with some help for the spinners as well. Batting mayhem is always on the cards whenever in Wankhede. Chasing will be preferred on this ground with an average score between 180-190 runs. Under the lights, the ball will come nicely on the bat.

MI vs CSK Team news:

As far as Mumbai Indians are concerned they have a strong core of players in place. Just after a solitary game, many changes aren't expected apart from one - Ramandeep Singh instead of Hrithik Shokeen.

On the other hand, CSK is not known for making many changes to its playing XI. From the first game itself, the balance of the team seemed to be figured out. Although keeping in mind the conditions on offer at Wankhede, Dhoni might be tempted to bring in Dwaine Pretorius in place of Mitchell Santner.

MI vs CSK: Head-to-head

Matches: 34 Mumbai Indians: 20 Chennai Super Kings: 14

MI vs CSK: Player to watch out for

Mumbai Indians: Tilak Varma

The young kid who rose to prominence in IPL 2022 had a good start to IPL 2023 as well. Playing a knock of 84* in just 46 balls against RCB was just a glimpse of what's going to come next. Mumbai Indians will bank on the talent of Tilak and expect him to carry on with his form.

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad

One of the most promising talents in the circuit of Indian cricket, Ruturaj Gaikwad seems to be in a purple patch. In the two games he has played, Gaikwad has been the top scorer for CSK. Scoring 92 runs in the first game against Gujarat Titans, the young talent missed out on a well-deserved century. In the subsequent game, he scored a quickfire half-century. Ruturaj's form will be a thing to see and it will be interesting to see if he could extend his form into the upcoming game as well.

MI vs CSK: Probable XIs:

Mumbai Indians:

Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Nehal Wadhera, Hrithik Shokeen, Arshad Khan, Piyush Chawla, Jofra Archer

Chennai Super Kings:

Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Rajvardhan Hangargekar

MI vs CSK: Match Facts

Since 2021, Ruturaj Gaikwad has scored the most runs for CSK.

Jofra Archer needs four more wickets to complete the bag of 50 wickets in IPL.

Ishan Kishan required 120 more runs to complete 2000 runs in IPL.

MI vs CSK: Live Broadcasting details

IND: Star Sports Network (TV) | JioCinema (Live Streaming)

UK: DAZN, Sky Sports

AUS: Fox Sports, Kayo Sports

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