Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, MA Chidambaram Stadium, 7.30 pm
What to expect
Fireworks. This is the most anticipated feature of a match pitting the six-time champions against a side which won it five times. However, given the nature of the Chennai pitch, this might turn out to a slow-burning battle, where the gap between the teams will be thin. Ability to rotate strike might become as important as the power to clear the boundary.
With Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah not available for different reasons, MI have to make late adjustments. With due respect to MI’s overall might, the absence of these two leave huge gaps. The team balance goes awry. MI will expect their heavy artillery in batting to take on the CSK spinners. In all likelihood, this match will be decided there.
Key battle
The likely trio of Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad will have their task cut out against a strong MI batting line-up. The frontline spinners also have the company of part-timer Deepak Hooda. Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Will Jacks, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav is a fearsome top five. They have to fire for MI to have the last laugh.
MI Likely XI
Pandya is serving a one-match suspension. Bumrah is out for a week at least. This means late adjustments. South African Rickelton is likely to partner Rohit at the top.
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Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Will Jacks, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Naman Dhir, Raj Bawa, Deepak Chahar, Karn Sharma, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult. Impact sub: Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
CSK Likely XI
CSK are likely to stick to their tried-and-tested ploy of relying on spin. They will field a variety of them, including the off-spin of Ashwin, who returns to the team after years.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Deepak Hooda, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (WK), Sam Curran, R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana. Impact sub: Rachin Ravindra, Vijay Shankar.
Pitch and weather
For many years, the pitch has been dry and conducive for spin. It’s unlikely to change. It will be hot and humid next to Marina Beach. There are faints chances of rain, but that is expected after the match gets over.
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