If it were 2015, both teams, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), would have their eyes on the play-offs. In 2025, though, the stakes are more humbling for both sides, Chennai Super Kings more so. CSK and MI will look to salvage their pride as well as whatever chances they have this season.
As the tournament heads to a point where things will start to get serious, MI are trying to grasp whatever semblance of momentum they can, while CSK are just happy to have put a stopper to their five-match losing streak.
Chennai only have two wins to boast so far this year. But would that help if one of those came against MI in the season opener? We will guess not so. It’s not the same Mumbai, they have Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah back. It’s also not Chepauk’s familiar conditions that await them this time.
Team Overview:
Halfway into the tournament, MI have figured out the solution for some of their troubles. Their first two defeats had raised many eyebrows. A win against KKR brought down a few of them. Yet two more defeats in the following games, undid all their effort to put a halt to the criticism. But with two wins on the bounce now, things seem to have settled a little for them.
There’s a functioning top order with only one glitch that has persisted throughout the season, and that is Rohit Sharma. His highest score this season is 26, and that’s hurting his side plenty. Ryan Rickelton, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma have somehow adjusted to the equation for the team’s betterment, but sooner or later, they will need some help from Rohit’s blade.
Much to MI’s chagrin, Karn Sharma will miss this game with a webbing split on his bowling hand. Mumbai can bring in Vignesh Puthur, who took three wickets as an impact sub, the last time MI played CSK.
Chennai’s triumph over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) came just in time. However, the underlying problems haven’t vanished. Key players are missing the mojo, combinations aren’t firing as they should have, and the batters still seem clueless in the face of danger looming large. Shivam Dube, for instance, has gone from a 150+ strike-rate last season to a paltry 128 this time. And similar has been for their entire batting lineup, which has struck at the lowest rate among all teams this year.
Noor Ahmad, amidst all the chaos, is a huge relief for CSK. He went wicketless in the game against Lucknow, though you can’t ever write him off.
Head-to-Head Matches:
MI and CSK have played 40 games against each other, and despite CSK’s recent dominance, the match-up has nearly always been neck and neck. MI hold a slight edge with 21 wins, while CSK have 19 wins in their kitty.
Weather and Pitch Report:
The Wankhede surface has mostly been a belter this edition with its two-paced-ish decks that get even better for strokemaking under the lights. MI would fancy that it stays that way, especially given their spin injuries. The toss will, like always, decide who gets to hold the easier side of the chase equation, with dew expected to make a cameo later in the evening.
Prediction:
Mumbai Indians have winning momentum, home conditions, and history on their side, and they would want to make a strong case for themselves at Wankhede with these.
Where to Watch:
India: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
UK: Sky Sports, SkyGo
USA: Willow TV
Australia: Kayo TV, FoxTel Go
Bangladesh: T Sports, Toffee app
New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ
Afghanistan: ATN
South Africa: SuperSport
Sri Lanka: Dialog
MENA: Cricbuzz
