The beleaguered Mumbai Indians (MI) face a big test against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015 match at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. MI have lost all their three games in the IPL 2015 so far and are struggling to find winning momentum in the tournament. CSK, being one of the best teams in the tournament, will be a major force, making it tougher for MI to come good against them.
CSK had never won against MI at the Wankhede Stadium until last year. Having broken that deadlock, they have a managed to mark a big tick in the box. MI began this season with a rare defeat at home and things do not look good for them. They need to get their act together soon for they haven’t looked like the strong team they were meant to be. They have another issue to deal with as Aaron Finch is out injured.
Lendl Simmons will be a backup in place of the injured Finch. Having been so consistent for MI and over the last year, it was a surprise that Simmons was not picked in the XI. He gets into the side and should open the batting. But, will MI continue with Parthiv Patel at the top? Perhaps they may go for him for another game. Unmukt Chand was picked for the last game, and thus they may pick Ambati Rayudu again for this one.
The one positive for MI has been the form of their two power hitters in the middle. Corey Anderson and Kieron Pollard have delivered for them with the bat and they would hope they continue in the same way. Harbhajan Singh’s fitness is a concern for MI and they would need him back. Not only does he bowl those economical overs, but as we saw in the previous game he played, he can be a good batsman down the order. MI’s bowling needs him for they haven’t looked strong, despite the presence of Lasith Malinga.
CSK have strength written all over them, led by skipper MS Dhoni. Brendon McCullum has managed to carry his form into the IPL. Then they have the likes of Dwayne Smith, Dwayne Bravo and Faf du Plessis with the bat. Dhoni too has found form with the bat. Suresh Rainaremains as dangerous as well and of course, not to forget Dwayne Bravo. Also, their bowling has enough depth with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja bowling spin. Ashish Nehra, Mohit Sharma and Ishwar Pandey also play a crucial role. IPL 2015: Schedule with venue details
It is an uphill task for MI, but they can turn it around using their home conditions. CSK favourites though.
Squads:
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (c), Parthiv Patel (wk), Unmukt Chand, Aditya Tare (wk), Kieron Pollard, Ambati Rayudu, Corey Anderson, Harbhajan Singh, Lasith Malinga, J Suchith, Shreyas Gopal, Jasprith Bumrah, Pawan Suyal, Akshay Wakhare, R Vinay Kumar, Aiden Blizzard, Siddhesh Lad, Mitchell McClenaghan, Abhimanyu Mithun, Marchant de Lange, Hardik Pandya.
Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni (c&wk), Dwayne Smith, Brendon McCullum, Dwayne Bravo, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ashish Nehra, Ishwar Pandey, Mohit Sharma, Irfan Pathan, Ankush Bains, Baba Parajith, Rahul Sharma, Mithun Manhas, Pawan Negi, Kyle Abbott, Andrew Tye, Ronit More, Pratyush Singh, Samuel Badree, Eklavya Dwivedi, Matt Henry.
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2015 Preview: Beleaguered MI face uphill task against formidable CSK
