CSK vs MI Preview: The Sportsrush presents before you full preview of the 44th match of IPL 2019 between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
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Arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians take on each other in a high-octane encounter at the Chepauk in Chennai. Mumbai Indians have managed to get the better of CSK earlier in this IPL but on a turning track, it might be a whole other ball game. To defeat CSK at Chennai, MI need to play out of their skins. CSK, on the other hand, need to win in order to keep their No. 1 position safe.
FORM GUIDE
The Super Kings, after 2 back to back losses, restored normalcy in the IPL with a win against the Sunrisers. Their batsmen, after Watson came back to form with a 96, look formidable and CSK spinners and the Chepauk pitch make one of the greatest love stories in the IPL.
Mumbai Indians have won 2 of their last 3 matches and after a loss, need to get back to winning ways. They need to keep playing the way they have and double that effort in order to win in Chennai and go up to 14 points. They need to rely on their bowlers and especially spinners to come good on the big night.
Also Read : CSK Predicted Playing 11
TEAM CHANGES
Chennai Super Kings are coming off a win and would not like to change too many things with their team. Dhoni, in the post match presentation, did mention the need for him to be careful of aggravating his injury and the importance of remaining fit for the all-important World Cup. Having secured CSK a playoffs berth, Dhoni might take rest in this match. N Jagadeesan might come in to the squad in his place since Sam Billings has also returned home.
In spite of not winning their last match, Mumbai Indians should go into this match with an unchanged squad which will be suitable on this pitch. They will have 3 spinning options in Rahul Chahar, Mayank Markande and Krunal Pandya and the pacers in Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah look perfect.
PITCH AND WEATHER PREDICTION
Chennai, as we all know, is a spinner’s delight. The pitch is once against expected to assist the spinners but it might be a little easier for batting as compared to the initial stages of the tournament. The average score is still 135 but the last match saw 175 being chased down. For the sake of the batsmen and the fans, we hope the pitch remains this way.
The temperature at Chennai will be around 31°C during the match with a significant cloud cover. Overcast conditions would reduce dew significantly making it an even game. At 62%, humidity will be a little high and players need to keep themselves hydrated. No rainfall is expected.
TOSS PREDICTION
Considering both the teams love to chase, they would surely look to field first after winning the toss. The weather or dew would not play a significant role in making that decision.
