Revealed - Why Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali are not included in CSK's playing XI vs MI

Here's why Chennai Super Kings have not included Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali in their playing XI against Mumbai Indians.

Indian Premier League’s biggest clash is at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Two arch-rivals and the most successful teams are taking on each other. Mumbai Indians looking for a winning momentum are taking on Yellow Army from Chennai. Just before the game, Chennai and Mumbai both had injury concerns to look at. Ben Stokes is missing out on the Chennai Super Kings playing eleven due to an injury. Moeen Ali is also missing the game because he is not feeling well. For Mumbai Indians, their ace bowler Jofra Archer is out as well.

Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, and Jofra Archer out of the action

In place of these two Englishmen CSK have brought in an experienced batter from the city Ajinkya Rahane and all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius in their playing xi. CSK Captain MS Dhoni informed, “We have a few injury concerns, Ben Stokes has an injury and Mo (Moeen Ali) is not well, so we have included Ajinkya Rahane and Dwaine Pretorius in the eleven”. Rohit was worried about Jofra’s injury problems so they decided to give Archer a break as a precaution.

Both Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer were not taking part in the team's warm up just before the game. In place of Jofra Archer, MI management have picked Tristan Stubs in the eleven. CSK made four changes from their last game. Sisanda Magala and Tushar Deshpande replaced Rajvardhan Hangargekar and Ambati Rayudu. All-rounder Moeen Ali, who played a magnificent role in CSK’s win against Lucknow is also missing the action due to health issues. He picked up 4 wickets against LSG in Chennai.

Both the captains were happy to be back at Wankhede. CSK Captain MS Dhoni has a glorious memory of finishing off the World Cup final against Sri Lanka. He also looked back on the memories of 2007, when the Team under his leadership came back and received an emotional welcome from the fans.