Chennai: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are up against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the first of the playoffs encounter, of the Indian Premier League (IPL), at the iconic M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Tuesday. After 56 grueling encounters, one could not have asked for a better Qualifier 1 wherein two of the biggest teams in IPL history, and arch-rivals will take on the field in a bid to enter the final. While MI hold an edge over CSK, in overall head-to-head tally, and have a 2-0 lead in the ongoing season but these things will hold no significance as anything can happen in the playoffs.
Defending champions CSK are a force to reckon with. Every season they have featured in, they have made it to the playoffs. Overall, they have played in seven finals wherein they have won thrice. They were lucky to remain in the top-two despite a convincing defeat in the hands of Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on Sunday. Their formula of ‘continuity’, backing experienced players and knowing how to tweak their tactics and strategies according to the opposition and conditions on offer is commendable.
CSK have been a pale shadow of themselves in the two matches they were up against MI this season. Losing by 37 and 46 runs respectively, the Yellow Brigade will be on their toes against three-time champions MI. Playing at Chepauk won’t be seen as a big advantage for the hosts as they haven’t been dominant against Rohit Sharma and Co. in their own den as well. However, knowing their ability to click at the right time will prove out in a crunch encounter on Tuesday evening.
On the other hand, MI finished at the top spot in the points table following the end of league stages. In their last 11 games, they have lost only thrice. Such stats will keep them ahead of CSK before they take on the field for Qualifier 1. Rohit’s troops are well aware of their opposition and have been the best to expose their weaknesses, from time to time, as compared to any other franchises. Hence, they have been ahead of CSK in overall encounters.
The MI-CSK clash is undoubtedly regarded as the El Clasico of IPL. Expect to live upto the expectations, despite two one-sided face-offs earlier, as the race for the finals commences. None of them will want to take the longer route to the summit clash, by playing the Qualifier 2, which adds to the hype and intensity of the match.
