IPL 2018, MI vs CSK - Key player battles

The Mumbai Indians will play hosts to the mighty Chennai Super Kings in the first game of IPL 2018. The Chennai Super Kings are back after serving a two year ban and will look to pick up where they left off.

The Mumbai Indians have always been slow starters in the tournament. That is something they would want to change this year by starting their campaign with a win under their belt. With a number of big names on both sides, we can expect a fierce contest between bat and ball. Both teams will come out blazing on all cylinders and raring to go.

Let's take a look at 3 individual player battles between the two sides that could be a treat to watch in game one of IPL 2018.

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#1 Pat Cummins (MI) vs Suresh Raina (CSK)

The tall, fast and aggressive Pat Cummins is known to rattle batsmen with his pace. Cummins is an in-your-face kind of bowler who will not give away easy runs. Suresh Raina, on the other hand, has been in fantastic form off late and will go into the IPL with a lot of confidence.

He has had problems with the short ball in the past and the Aussie will surely test him with a couple of nasty bouncers upfront. Cummins holds the edge here but Raina can never be counted out in the T20 format.

#2 Mark Wood (CSK) vs Evin Lewis (MI)

Mark Wood is excellent with the new ball

Evin Lewis is a hard hitting West Indian batsman who has been touted to be the next Chris Gayle. He thrives against the pacers and has a mind blowing strike rate of just under 155 in T20Is for the West Indies.

Mark Wood is excellent with the new ball. He bowls consistently around 90mph and his brilliant seam position causes all sorts of problems for the opening batsmen in the opposition. Both players will try and get the better of each other in what promises to be an enthralling contest.

#3 Mustafizur Rahman (MI) vs MS Dhoni (CSK)

MS Dhoni brings out the helicopter shot to smash the yorker ball

Mustafizur Rahman is the king of the death overs. He dispatches his yorkers effortlessly and is very hard to get away to the boundary while MS Dhoni is known for his power hitting and plays the role of a finisher for CSK.

He is also famous for his helicopter shot, which is brought out against the yorker ball. This battle could go either way and promises to be a nail biter.