IPL 6: Qualifier 1 - CSK vs MI - Chennai Super Kings Preview

Teams – Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians

Venue – Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Time – 8 pm IST

We enter the business end of this year’s IPL where it will be two deserving teams facing off to determine which one of them gets a direct entry into the final. Although MI have had CSK’s number on both the occasions when these two teams have met, such is the nature of this format that this record will occupy minimal mind-space in the heads of the two captains ahead of this big game.

What will be on top of MS Dhoni‘s mind is his team’s bowling, especially in the death overs. While they have earmarked the bowlers for this role, the execution has been a bit awry. Even in the previous game, where Dhoni likened the match to a game of ‘death bowling’, CSK’s bowlers’ inability to bowl in the death was mercilessly exposed. While MI may not have a batsman in as sublime a form as Kohli, they have batsmen of enough caliber to make good use of a loose spell of death-bowling.

CSK will, once again, be backing its batting, being the stronger of the two departments. While it may take only one innings of brilliance from either of their top batsmen to win them the match, they will know that they have to put up a good team effort against a strong MI bowling line-up.

The team selection will not be a daunting task. The only call needs to be taken by the captain will be between Jason Holder and Albie Morkel. If the latter is fit, he might be selected for he adds depth to the CSK line-up – a cushion which Dhoni would love to have against the MI attack.

Players to watch out for

Michael Hussey – He has an excellent opportunity to make the Orange Cap his own for this year. His role will be additionally crucial to negate the Mitchell Johnson effect early on in the innings.

MS Dhoni - His cool and calm attitude definitely helps his team in such crunch situations. While Hussey’s batting will be crucial at the top of the order, Dhoni will want to be at the crease in the death overs to tackle Malinga’s guile.

R Ashwin - He is a big match player. His ability to hold his nerve will be important for Dhoni might look to throw the ball to him in the power-play overs.

X-Factor

Bravo – Few would’ve bet on him to be in contention for the Purple Cap at the start of the competition. But, he has shown immense control over his variations and an unflappable nerve in the death overs to prise out 25 wickets thus far. Equally potent with the bat, he is more than capable of hitting the ball for a few quick runs.

Prediction

CSK have a strong batting line-up and MI come close in matching their batting strength. MI certainly hold the upper hand in the bowling department. However, CSK’s experience to win the big games and Dhoni’s experience hand his team an advantage in this match.