IPL match preview: Chennai Super Kings v Mumbai Indians
The two most successful teams in the history of the Indian Premier League face each other for the second time this season.
Chennai Super Kings.The Chennai Super Kings are chasing a fifth IPL title. The Mumbai Indians are seeking their sixth. As the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League nears its business end, this could be one of the most crucial clashes of the lot.
Mumbai had a shaky start to this season's campaign, but have gathered some momentum on the back of two consecutive wins recently. Chennai, meanwhile, have lost some charge in the wake of back-to-back defeats and a washout.
The Super Kings will be glad to be at home. They have won many more matches in Chepauk than they've lost. This is their veritable fortress. This will be a day match - not under floodlights - and dew won't be a factor.
Chennai and Mumbai currently occupy third and sixth position, respectively, in the 10-team standings. A win for the Super Kings will keep them in contention for a berth in the play-offs. Victory for Mumbai will get them out of the bottom half of the table.
The Super Kings and Mumbai have all but taken it in turns to beat each other in their last five meetings. Chennai have three wins to Mumbai's two. Chennai won their first 2023 meeting.
Ravindra Jadeja put in the a player of the match performance for CSK the last time they played Mumbai. He could have another big showing with bat and ball here.
Mumbai remain without fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah due to injury. But in Piyush Chawla they have an equally effective strike bowler and one of the best leg-spinners in the IPL.
Mumbai are looking in the best shape to win this match. Chennai are a determined bunch, but those consecutive losses and washout will have set them back quite a bit.