IPL 2018, CSK vs MI: 5 player battles to look forward to

#1 Imran Tahir v Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma

The MI captain is at his best when he opens the innings but he has relinquished that role. His highest of 94 against RCB came about when he arrived at the crease at 0 for 2 and perhaps it is time MI went back to making him open. A long innings from him could just be what they need and if he bats for a while, then he can unleash carnage in the middle overs. However, CSK have also been one of the best teams in the tournament in terms of middle-overs control.

They have given away runs at the rate of 8.57 per over and the man responsible for that control is leg-spinner, Imran Tahir. He has picked up 6 wickets in that phase and has been crucial in putting the brakes on the scoring. Even if Rohit comes in to bat at 4, he would most likely run into Tahir straightaway and if that happens, he would need to go after the spinner. It could be the most crucial battle in the entire game as one of the best hitters in the game would need to throw CSK off their game in a phase that they seem to dominate.