IPL 2021: MI vs. CSK, ‘Battle of Titans’ Ahead of Beginning of Second Leg of IPL

Finally, after waiting for months we are all set to kickstart IPL’s second leg from tomorrow, Sunday 19 Sep. That too with the clash of two most successful teams in the IPL, MI & CSK; two titans will be seen against each other at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi from 6:00 PM IST.

The two teams have met on 32 occasions, with Mumbai having the edge 19-13. But again, this is a fresh start, and then the format – one just cannot predict. For CSK, they have concerns to address ahead of their opener against MI as a couple of their stars – Faf du Plessis and Sam Curran – may miss out. While the SA cricketer picked up an injury during a CPL match and that puts his participation in doubt, the English all-rounder has arrived in Dubai only on Wednesday morning and has to serve a mandatory 6-day quarantine – which makes him unavailable.

Mumbai would like to continue the momentum against Chennai following what Pollard did in the last clash against them. So as their team looks tougher and complete in comparison with Chennai. As all the players are available playing XI would feature, Rohit Sharma, De Cock, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan in the top order; Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard and Krunal Pandya in the middle while Bowling unit looks set with Chahar as the only specialist spinner along with 3 pacers, Bumrah, Milne and Trent Boult.

Currently Chennai is placed on 2^nd position with 10 points while Mumbai is on 4^th with 8 points in their account. Both will fight for the top two spots from the beginning of the second leg.

Predicted Playing XI:

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, J Hazlewood, Shardul Thakur, Lungi Ngidi, Deepak Chahar

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (C), Quinton De Kock (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, Adam Milne, Jasprit Bumrah & Trent Boult.