IPL 2023, Match 49th: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians
IPL 2023: RR face reality-check as Buttler, Samson crumble against champs GT in own backyard
Without reading much into their approach that helped them win more games than a contrasting result in IPL 2023, Chennai still need to up its bowling game to stay alive in the playoffs race. With Deepak Chahar returning after spending a couple of weeks on the sidelines, CSK will hope for an improved performance against the MI batters who have wreaked havoc lately.
Maheesh Theekshana, probably the only weak link in the inexperienced CSK bowling setup, could make way for Mitchell Santner, as the home team will aim to bag two crucial points in IPLs El-Clasico.
On the other hand, there is no stopping Mumbai Indians, who, in the last two matches, chased 200-plus totals without much hassle. With Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav returning to form and Tilak Varma providing stability at number five, Mumbai will enter this contest with their heads high. The presence of Australian Tim David in the lower order adds more value to this daunting-looking batting line-up.
However, it is Mumbais bowling that will bother them against Chennai. Even though English pacer Jofra Archer returned from injury, he has been too expensive going for over eight runs per over. Veteran Piyush Chawla has been among the wickets having picked 15 wickets in just nine games. At Chepauk, where it is likely to assist spinners, Piyush could return to be a thorn in the flesh for his former franchise.
Result Prediction
While Mumbai Indians are on a winning spree, the lack of depth and experience in their bowling could cost them the game against heavyweights CSK in Chennai.
Here are the predicted XIs of both teams
CSK -Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, MS Dhoni (C&WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Matheesha Pathirana and Tushar Deshpande
MI -Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan (WK), Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Nehal Wadhera, Hrithik Shokeen, Jofra Archer, Piyush Chawla and Akash Madhwal
Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 3:52 am