Mumbai: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will start as favourites riding on skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s rich form when they take on slow-starters Mumbai Indians (MI) in a high-voltage IPL clash here Wednesday.
CSK, who have won the title thrice like the hosts, are sitting pretty at the top of the eight-team table with three wins on the trot from three games. Placed sixth, Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, have not started well as usual with a victory sandwiched between two defeats.
Called the ‘Daddy’s Army’ for a host of over the hill cricketers in their arsenal, CSK have defied all odds to win the title last season (after their two-year ban) and have continued their form this year in the opening exchanges.
The visitors have experience in their batting and bowling departments with the likes of Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, Kedar Jadhav and Ambati Rayudu adding to the might.
Deepak Chahar was useful with the ball the other day and would look to continue the good work along with South African Imran Tahir and Ravindra Jadeja doing the job well after the power play.
On the other hand, hosts MI are over-dependant on openers Rohit Sharma and South African Quinton de Kock. The others have failed to get runs and need to step up. MI would also have the services of new recruit, West Indian fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, and can also play all rounder Ben Cutting in place of the Lasith Malinga who has looked lacklustre.