Chennai Super Kings take on arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in a curtain-raiser as IPL 2021 resumes from the UAE.
Overview
Unfortunately for CSK, two overseas players are uncertain of starting against MI. CSK’s leading run-scorer in IPL 2021, Faf du Plessis, and veteran all-rounder Dwayne Bravo are recovering from groin injuries. At the same time, Sam Curran is under quarantine and will miss out on Sunday. Luckily for MI, there is no injury scare in the camp.
Stats that Matter
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DSC) hosted 26 matches in the previous edition of the IPL. The sides batting first won 15 games, sides chasing won on 8 games, and 3 games were tied.
In the previous 5 matches at DSC, spinners have picked 17 wickets, whereas fast bowlers have picked 40 wickets.
Mumbai Indians have won 4 out of the last 5 clashes against CSK. In the previous 5 games, Mumbai Indians, on average, have scored 47 runs for 1 wicket in the power play overs and 41 runs for 2 wickets in the death overs against Chennai Super Kings.
Chennai Super Kings, in their previous 5 games against Mumbai Indians, on average, have scored 37 runs for 2 wickets during the power play and 47 runs for 2 wickets during the death overs.
Kieron Pollard who played a Talismanic role in MI’s victory against CSK in the reverse fixture has scored 607 runs in 27 matches with an average of 37.93 and a mammoth strike rate of 172.44 against CSK.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Probably Mumbai Indians are one of the sides who were happy for the IPL to move to UAE. Mumbai Indians played their first half in Chennai on a slow and turning track, which doesn’t suit their setup. Mumbai Indians will be keen to start with Jayant Yadav considering the CSK batting order that features three left-handed batters.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
The biggest challenge in front of Dhoni & Co. is the opening slot. du Plessis, exclusion may open doors for Robbin Uthappa unless the management is keen on opening with Moeen Ali or Ambati Rayudu. Considering the number of south-paws in the Mumbai batting unit Dhoni will be tempted to attack with Moeen Ali during the power play.
Pitch Report & Toss
There will be limited wickets for the IPL, considering the T20 World Cup, which will also be played later on at the venue. The average first innings score at the DSC is 172 for the loss of 5 wickets, whereas the average second innings score is 149 for 7 wickets. The wicket in Dubai has always produced a healthy competition between the bat and the ball. I strongly feel it will be a good toss to lose.
Clean Hitters
Mumbai Indians: Kieron Pollard, Suryakumar Yadav & Rohit Sharma
Chennai Super Kings: Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu & Ravindra Jadeja
Death Over Specialists
Mumbai Indians: Jasprit Bumrah & Trent Boult
Chennai Super Kings: Lungi Ngidi & Shardul Thakur
5 Must-Have players in your fantasy team
Quinton de Kock, Moeen Ali, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kieron Pollard
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