Published: May 11, 2019, 04:54 PM (IST)
Edited: May 11, 2019, 04:54 PM (IST)
Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have faced each other three times this season already, once at the Wankhede, and twice at the Chepauk; and each time the blue of Mumbai has triumphed over Chennai’s yellow, rather comprehensively. Statistically, MI and CSK are the two most successful franchises in the history of the IPL, and there is hardly anything to pick if their head-to-head record is anything to go by.
But as has been the pattern this year, MI has had CSK’s number and possess the bragging rights as the teams get set to do battle for the fourth time in this editions, in the most important match of the tournament. (ALSO READ: Mumbai Indians’ road to IPL 2019 final)
In the past, MI and CSK have locked horns thrice, with Rohit Sharma‘s men leading 2-1. In 2010, CSK lifted their maiden IPL crown by beating their arch-rivals by 22 runs before MI bounced back to win the crown in 2013 and 2015. Famously billed as the ‘El Clasico’, MI and CSK are both three-time winners. And if by any stretch of the imagination, that isn’t an achievement big enough, winning the title for a fourth time will only add further feathers to the rich history of either side.
While MI emphatically sealed their passage to the final, CSK had to take a detour to Vizag, before cruising to a win against the Delhi Capitals and booking a record eighth final. Only twice in their 10 seasons of participation has CSK not made it to the final. MI on the other hand, have won three out of the four finals they have played in, which once again highlights that there is virtually no favourite heading into the grand finale. Whatever the outcome may be, the final here will add another memorable chapter to their long-time rivalry. The way the entire season unfolded will also not be forgotten anytime soon by the fans and experts alike.
The Uppal surface has been remotely kind to the spinners, and both MI and CSK have plenty of those up their arsenal. And despite MI have an upper hand over their opponents based on what has transpired this year, statistics and mental advantage count for little going into the title clash.
Match Details
What: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2019 final
When: Sunday, May 12
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad
Weather: Clear skies with the temperature reaching 35 degree
Team News
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians have a tried and tested team combination. Almost all names in that Playing XI are certain. For a while, the No. 4 spot was up for grabs, but even that puzzle seems to have been solved with Ishan Kishan claiming it. Depending on the surface, MI might opt for a fast bowler in Mitchell McClenaghan or fall back on the off spin of Jayant Yadav.
Probable XI: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Suryakumar Yadav, 4 Ishan Kishan, 5 Kieron Pollard, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Mitchell McClenaghan/Jayant Yadav, 9 Rahul Chahar, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Lasith Malinga
Chennai Super Kings
Throughout the tournament, CSK’s batting has struggled against Mumbai Indians. Hence, it wouldn’t be a bad ploy to replace back Shardul Thakur with Murali Vijay just to give their batting an added layer. Thakur bowled just one over in Qualifier 2 against Delhi Capitals which may raise questions regarding his fitness.
Probable XI: 1 Shane Watson, 2 Faf du Plessis, 3 Suresh Raina, 4 Ambati Rayudu, 5 MS Dhoni (capt/wk), 6 Murali Vijay, 7 Dwayne Bravo, 8 Ravindra Jadeja, 9 Harbhajan Singh, 10 Deepak Chahar, 11 Imran Tahir
Quotes
“We know what to do in different situations, we’ve made the most of our experience. Mumbai Indians have a great team, not too many holes in their team.” – Shane Watson, after CSK’s 100th IPL win Friday evening.
“It (Hyderabad) is a neutral venue. Both teams have played here so they are very much aware of the conditions. It is not going to be a major factor. Important will be to assess the pitch as quickly as we can, see what the ideal score will be if we bat first.” – Rohit Sharma, Mumbai Indians captain.
