MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni: When the reigning champion Chennai Super Kings play the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League here on Sunday, it may be the last game played in the fabled Wankhede Stadium for the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
For the first time ever, MS Dhoni leads the CSK back to the sacred ground of Wankhede, possibly in his final IPL season. Additionally, it will be his first time playing for any team as a player since November 2005.
Dhoni’s glove work and his analysis of the game are still flawless at 42 years old. However, with two road losses this season, CSK will be hoping that his tactical expertise also helps them overcome a woeful away record.
Additionally, CSK would hope that their recent performance against MI—four victories in the previous five games, including a seven-wicket victory here last season—holds them in high regard.
There is nothing to suggest that their fierce rivalry would predict any such change. Hardik Pandya, who succeeded Rohit Sharma at MI, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who succeeded Dhoni at CSK, are two of the most successful teams in the IPL with five titles apiece.
The MI hitters, who have dominated the flat grounds here, may easily put CSK’s bowlers to the sword. Against Delhi Capitals, they scored over 230 runs, and against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, they chased down around 200 runs with more than four overs remaining.
Pandya’s MI have steadied themselves after a rocky beginning. Their batsmen have performed admirably in the last two matches, and Suryakumar Yadav’s 17-ball fifty against RCB gives the CSK bowlers cause for concern. While they have proven adept at bowling on slow, shifting wickets at the Chepauk, they have not yet been challenged on flat, batting-friendly grounds.
In the grand scheme of things, Ishan Kishan’s (161 runs) opening partnership with Rohit would therefore be vital, but CSK would also feel very confident with their own batting.
With Rachin Ravindra at the top of the lineup, Daryl Mitchell in the middle, and Shivam Dube (176 runs), Ravindra Jadeja, and Dhoni in the final overs, CSK has a lineup that may not be explosive at the bat, but Skipper Gaikwad may be the quiet enforcer.
The astute Jasprit Bumrah (10 wickets) must be eliminated for CSK to have any chance against the remaining MI bowlers, who have conceded runs at a frightening rate while having difficulty with their line and lengths on soft pitches.
Even though Bumrah took five wickets, MI gave up runs quickly, which helped RCB approach the 200-run threshold a few nights ago.
When CSK returns to their home stadium, a lot will be resting on the shoulders of Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande. However, given their recent successes, Mustafizur Rahman (9 wickets) and the crafty Jadeja will be the players to watch out for.
On their part, teams say “we want to get as many runs as possible” but by the look of it, scores around 220-230 while batting first could be the best way possible to ensure an upperhand at this venue.