Chennai Super Kings’ turnaround has been the highlight of IPL 2021 so far. Five months back they had finished seventh among eight teams in the last edition of the tournament in the UAE.
After 26 matches this season, they sit pretty in the top tier of the standings. While head coach Stephen Fleming has pinned it down to a change in attitude, their success can be attributed to the ability to score in the death overs and picking wickets in Powerplay. Add to it the superb form of Faf du Plessis (270 runs) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (192) that has provided the team with a head start.
“The players have taken more responsibility this year. You will be facing adverse things but ultimately it boils down to how each individual rises to the occasion and gives the extra 10 per cent for the team. Last 8-10 years we’ve not changed a lot of players so they know our approach,” Mahendra Singh Dhoni has said.
On Saturday, CSK will meet Mumbai Indians who haven’t been in the best of form. They have won three and lost three and have failed to show their invincible form. But don’t forget Rohit Sharma’s team have a favourable record against Dhoni’s men.
Mumbai Indians enjoy an 18-12 record against CSK. Since CSK’s return in 2018, Mumbai Indians have won six out of the eight games played.
Mumbai Indians have failed to get the breakthroughs in the Powerplay overs mainly because Trent Boult hasn’t been effective. His contest against the in-form Faf du Plessis could be interesting since the South African has struggled to score against the left-arm fast bowler.
Both Jasprit Bumrah and Boult have been exceptional, particularly at the death, and would need to perform again to contain the in-form CSK batters.