Mumbai Indians faltering at the start and then dramatically recovering to make their way to the playoffs and even to lifting the title has become something their fans have gotten used to over the years in the Indian Premier League. However, have they left it for too late this year? They have just one win in six matches so far this season.
IPL 2018 began with MI taking on CSK at home and what a thriller that match was. Both have been champion teams in the IPL over the years, and they have a head-to-head record of 12-11 in Mumbai’s favour, which shows how closely fought matches between these two teams always are.
Teams
The Chennai squad was hit with injuries but they are now spoilt for choice. Murali Vijay is waiting on the sidelines but Ambati Rayudu is expected to retain his spot after a tremendous knock in the last game. Similarly, they have the option of bringing in Faf du Plessis for Sam Billings, but we’re expecting Billings to be given another chance.
It’ll be a short trip to Pune for MI. When you look at their team, it doesn’t really need changes. Their batting just needs to step up. The bowling has been good with the likes of Mayank Markande & Krunal Pandya strangling opponents and picking up wickets, while Hardik has also been a regular wicket taker for the team.
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Their problem in IPL 2018 has been their batting. Apart from Suryakumar Yadav, everyone else has failed. Evin Lewis and Ishan Kishan have been good but have shown zero consistency while Rohit has had just one good innings this season. Hardik Pandya will have to be mentally strong after the flak he would’ve got for that 3(19) he played in the last match against SRH.
Overall
Mumbai Indians have produced remarkable comeback stories in the past and I won’t be surprised if they do so again. However, there are too many areas in which they need to improve while Chennai have produced multiple match winners in every game. Chennai Super Kings are my favourites to win today. If Mumbai want a chance to win, they should look at bowling first as it has been proved that MS Dhoni and his men can chase down any target in the IPL.
