IPL 2021: Match 30 – CSK vs MI – Preview, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Updates

The resumption of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in UAE could not have asked for a bigger and better start than the clash of two IPL behemoths- Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings. The archrivals are set to resume the battle on Sunday (September 19) and kick off the reminder of the proceedings. The last six encounters between these two IPL giants saw MI winning five games and stretching their tally to 20 wins.

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Meanwhile, CSK have won just 13 games against MI during the past 14 years of IPL. During this year’s match too, the Men in Blue won over the yellow brigade due to all-rounder Kieron Pollard’s brilliance. Naturally, the momentum is with MI, and they will look to take their tally to 21 wins . But rule CSK out of your peril as the MS Dhoni-led team comes with a plethora of experience under their belt.

The team bounced back in style from their dismal showing in the 2020 edition and are currently placed second on the points table. Their core squad members are back and are raring to go. The only concern for the three-time IPL winners is the fitness of the opening batter Faf du Plessis. He has slight issues with his leg, which he suffered during the CPL. Apart from that, the rest of the team members had great pre-season training.

Pitch Report

The pitch in Dubai generally is good to put runs on the board. It gets slower as the match progresses, making chasing a tough ask. The 13th edition of the IPL 2020 saw teams winning the match by batting first. And hence the skipper that wins the toss will look to bat first and post a big total.

Playing XI   

Mumbai Indians

Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Marco Jansen/Jayant Yadav

Chennai Super Kings

Faf du Plessis/Robin Uthappa, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suresh Raina, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c and wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood/Imran Tahir

Key Players:

Jasprit Bumrah 

Boom Boom as he is fondly known displayed great form during the recently concluded Test series against England. Bumrah’s innate ability to break partnerships and be effective in the power play and death overs makes him the dangerous bowler in the shortest format. Naturally, he will yet again be key for MI’s fortunes.

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Bumrah will look to take early wickets and later contain the CSK power hitters from going big. He has so far taken 115 wickets in 99 IPL matches for MI since making his debut in 2013.

Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina had a disappointing first half of the IPL by his high standards. The southpaw failed to get going and didn’t play the sheet anchor’s role which is generally seen from him. But he has a chance to make amends during the remainder of the season. He can tackle MI’s spinner Rahul Chahar well and try to unsettle him. Also, once the southpaw is set, it is difficult for the teams to remove him.