Today’s IPL match is Qualifier 1 between defencing champions Chennai Super Kings and table-toppers Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The last time these two teams met was on April 26 at this very ground, when Rohit Sharma’s MI beat an MS Dhoni-less CSK by 46 runs.
Prior to that, when CSK went to Mumbai earlier in the league stage, MI won by 37 runs.
Since 2013, at home, CSK have lost only four matches – and three of them have been to MI. The winner of today’s match goes straight to the IPL final on Sunday, while the losing team gets another shot in Qualifier 2.
(READ:MI vs CSK in IPL playoffs over the years)
Who will emerge winners today?
CSK vs MI HEAD TO HEAD RECORD:
In 26 matches against each other, MI have won 15 for a win percentage of 58% whereas CSK have won 11 for a 42% success rate.
But when it comes to IPL playoffs, CSK lead MI 3-1.
(READ: IPL 2019 CSK vs MI Qualifier 1 preview: Who will win IPL’s EL Clasico?)
Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians possible teams:
CSK likely XI: 1 Shane Watson, 2 Faf du Plessis, 3 Suresh Raina, 4 Dhruv Shorey, 5 Ambati Rayudu, 6 MS Dhoni, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Dwayne Bravo, 9 Harbhajan Singh, 10 Deepak Chahar, 11 Imran Tahir
MI likely XI: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Suryakumar Yadav, 4 Ishan Kishan, 5 Hardik Pandya, 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Rahul Chahar, 9 Mitchell McClenaghan, 10 Lasith Malinga, 11 Jasprit Bumrah
(READ: Dream11 Predictions for Qualifier 1)
CSK vs MI PREDICTION:
Playing at home, where they have lost only one game in IPL 2019 – to MI, of all teams – CSK have the edge on the basis of a superior spin bowling attack comprising Imran Tahir, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh and possibly Mitchell Santner. Add in the tactical nous of Dhoni and his excellent batting form this season, as well as the IPL playoff success rate of Suresh Raina, and CSK will be very tough to beat.
And yet, if there is one team who can defeat them, it is MI. If Rohit, Quinton de Kock and Hardik Pandya have a big game, expect MI to go straight to the final.