(Image source from: Will Mumbai Indians take on Consistent Super Kings?})
The last time the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) met at the Wankhede Stadium, Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith bludgeoned the hosts into submission. It was fair to say that the two teams were at the opposite ends of the spectrum then. Almost a month down the line, they meet again at the Wankhede Stadium, for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015 Qualifier 1. Yes, that reflects how MI have turned things around this season.
CSK were perhaps the only team who made it through to the playoffs in a more assured fashion. With a tight points table, the others had to fight their way through into the final weekend of the tournament. MI have lifted themselves since slipping to those four consecutive defeats at the beginning. Since then, they have lost only two and have managed a remarkable eight victories, one of them coming against CSK at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. So, will they feel they are favourites?
MI have done fairly well at their home ground this year and know the conditions well to exploit it. The batsmen know the measure of the bounce and the nature of the surface. On the other hand, the bowlers are also well versed with the conditions and have done well to use it. With all that behind them and the confidence of their victories in recent times, particularly the one against CSK, MI would fancy their chances in front of home supporters.
There is one change in the CSK line-up though. McCullum is already on his way to represent New Zealand and has vacated his spot at the top. In all likelihood, they will keep Michael Hussey there with Smith. The rest of the middle-order should remain the same with Suresh Raina, Faf du Plessis, MS Dhoni and Dwayne Bravo. Ravindra Jadeja and Pawan Negi will continue to provide balance to the side with their all-round abilities.
The one area CSK may be a bit concerned about is the fast bowling. Ashish Nehra has done well this year but needs consistent support. If fit, Mohit Sharma should make his way back and replace Ishwar Pandey. Apart from that CSK look a very good unit with depth and strength to go all the way.
MI would be wary of that very strength. Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu, Kieron Pollard, Harbhajan Singh and Lasith Malinga were a part of the 2013 unit that beat CSK in the final. They would remember that they lost in the Qualifier 1 but recovered to beat them in the final. CSK in knockout games are a force to reckon with and MI need to be at their best for this game. Lendl Simmons and Parthiv Patel, the openers, have a crucial role to play yet again as they have given the team some great starts. Mitchell McClenaghan’s inclusion has given good teeth to the bowling and he is one of their catalysts of change.
Picking a winner for this game is a tough one with both sides lining up with power players. No one would have imagined this Qualifier line-up after MI lost their first four games. Now, is the time champions are made!
- Manohar. M
