Two of the most consistent sides in IPL history meet again tonight to renew their old rivalry. The winner of this crunch clash will head directly to the finals and each of them wants it badly. Both are ruthlessly efficient teams with players who can turn the game on its head any given day. Chennai led the league table for the most part of the campaign but Mumbai trumped them with a string of good results and better Net Run Rate. The fact that Mumbai also won both league games against Dhoni’s men this season will be at the back of their minds. But who comes out on top can be anybody’s guess & there is no clear favorite here.
Mumbai
Rohit Sharma’s men have done well in all departments this season. Its a departure from the inconsistencies they saw the last term. Hardik Pandya has clearly been their most valuable player with contributions in all areas. Rohit Sharma & De Kock have opened well, and in Surya Kumar Yadav they have a dependable number three. The middle order has big hitters & the bowling attack has done very well especially in the last few games. All in all, this is a team that can go all the way. And they have had an upper hand against tonight’s opponents. It’s just a question of application.
Mumbai team should be unchanged although they might go for an extra spinner in the place of McClenaghan knowing the nature of Chepauk pitch.
Probable Lineup – Quinton de Kock(w), Rohit Sharma(c), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Mitchell McClenaghan/Anukul Roy, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga
Chennai
Although Chennai finished second & qualified for the playoff’s, there is a feeling of something missing. This is not the same old team that would dismantle anyone & everyone in their way. Their star overseas players are not leading well except Tahir & Du Plessis performing well a few times. Bowling remains a key as Deepak Chahar & Harbhajan have had a fantastic tournament. But their trump card is Dhoni. The man is a mastermind & knows to get the best out of his players, not to mention his keeping skills. Once again he will be the key for Chennai.
Kedar Jadhav is injured from the last game and should be replaced by Dhruv Shorey. Rest will remain unchanged.
Probable Lineup – Faf du Plessis, Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu(w/c), MS Dhoni, Dhruv Shorey, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Deepak Chahar, Harbhajan Singh, Imran Tahir
Playerzpot XI
Match Prediction
Although Mumbai are the in-form team, Chennai is strongest at home. And they have a history of performing when it matters the most. So we predict Dhoni’s men to win this tight contest tonight.
Match Details
Tuesday 7th May (7:30pm IST) at M.A Chidambaram stadium, Chennai
High temperature is expected in the evening
