Chennai Super Kings: Chennai Super Kings’ stuttering form may have taken some sheen off this iconic rivalry, but Sunday’s clash at the Wankhede Stadium still holds high stakes as Mumbai Indians look to maintain their late surge and exact revenge for their defeat earlier in the season.
Hardik Pandya’s side, placed seventh on the table, have revived their campaign with back-to-back wins over Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Their execution—especially with the ball—on the tricky Wankhede surface against the explosive SRH line-up was clinical, with the pitch offering unexpected turn and grip for spinners and aiding cutters from pacers. However, the same game plan may not work against a CSK side boasting a formidable spin contingent.
Ravindra Jadeja and the in-form Noor Ahmad—who picked three wickets against MI in the reverse fixture—will be key weapons for Chennai. The Afghan left-arm wrist spinner has already scalped 12 wickets in seven games, and MI must find a way past him to control the middle overs. CSK have also added Dewald Brevis and local youngster Ayush Mhatre to the squad, though their inclusion in the XI remains uncertain.
