Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings IPL Tips - Venue charm likely to turn Wankhede blue

These two teams have had many memorable battles over the years but over the last two seasons, the penny has dropped. The start for IPL 2023 has been slow as well, so this doesn’t increase hopes for this encounter. Mumbai Indians though will hope for this venue luck to smile upon them. I am backing the Mumbai Indians to win this match.

The overall H2H record is in favour of Mumbai with the blue ribands holding a 21-15 advantage. The recent matches have seen an even better domination with Mumbai Indians winning 11 of the last 15 matches.

Last year saw the teams share the honours with 1-1 each. Mumbai Indians won at the Wankhede Stadium by five wickets after restricting Chennai to 97 all out.

Mumbai Indians started their season with an eight-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bengaluru. They scored 171/7 batting first with Tilak Varma’s 84 not out the highlight.

If not for Tilak’s knock, the score would have been in the low 130s. Despite that, they failed to have any hold in the chase taking no wickets in the first 14 overs.

The hosts will be worried about their bowling attack that is looking toothless, despite Jofra Archer bowling at his full tilt.

Mumbai Indians added Riley Meredith as a replacement player, with the Australian speedster taking the place of Jhye Richardson. It could be interesting to see if he comes into the playing XI straight away.

Chennai already played two matches, losing the first to Gujarat Titans by five wickets and then beating Lucknow Super Giants by 12 runs.

It is not yet vintage Chennai as they are struggling to assert their dominance. Their win has come at home in spin conditions with the pacers Deepak Chahar, Rajvardhan Hangargekar struggling to assert their dominance.

The only positive for Chennai is Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form with the right-handed opener scoring 149 runs so far. With Devon Conway’s 48 runs the next best, Chennai seems to have a problem with the batting performances as well.

Chennai aren’t used to changing their playing XIs regularly, but the arrival of South African pacer Sisanda Magala changes things. He could walk into the side in place of Mitchell Santner.