One can’t fault Mumbai Indians if they feel super confident for their game against Chennai Super Kings at the Chepauk on Saturday. And that’s not only for the fact that Mumbai have won their last two games chasing down 200-plus totals, while Chennai have lost their last two completed matches.
The MA Chidambaram Stadium has been a fortress for Chennai in the IPL. But not really when they are challenged by Mumbai, who have a 6-2 record in their favour while playing Chennai in Chennai. What’s more striking is the fact that all those six victories have come in a row.
To talk of IPL 2023, Chennai are still above Mumbai in the standings, though by just one point. While Mumbai have gathered steam as the tournament has progressed, Chennai seems to have lost their way somewhat after setting early pace.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni will have to put this thinking cap on to arrest the slide. Not that they don’t have good players, but somehow they are not stringing good performances together. Though there is no update on Ben Stokes’ availability, one can expect to see a few changes in Chennai’s XI for the tough tie against Mumbai.
Rohit Sharma will be mighty happy with how his boys have regrouped after early setbacks in the league. With Suryakumar Yadav looking in ominous form and veteran Piyush Chawla weaving spin webs match after match, the five-time champions will start as favourites against Chennai on Saturday.
Today’s match
■ Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, 3.30pm, Chennai, live on Star Sports & Jio Cinema
Delhi to start on backfoot
Calcutta: Both Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore have won three of their last five games, but that hardly sums up the picture ahead of their Saturday’s match at the Kotla.
While Delhi are still rock-bottom in the standings, RCB will be playing to enter the top four. Both are coming off fighting wins though, with RCB’s victory over Lucknow almost starting a fight, literally.
Delhi, captained by David Warner, has struggled with their batters. Their bowlers do decently, but if they are to overpower a strong RCB side, Delhi will surely have to bat better. For that, they might seek runs from Mitchell Marsh, who could be back after missing the last game.
RCB will once again look to Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis for runs and Glenn Maxwell to provide top-ups. But what happens if all three fail? Will new recruit Kedar Jadhav be of any help?
OUR BUREAU
Today’s match
■ Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 7.30pm, Delhi, live on Star Sports & Jio Cinema
