Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings Preview: Yellow Army out to correct recent trend against the Blues

It’s the biggest derby of the Indian Premier League, as the two most successful teams of all-time Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings come face-to-face. This match #27 in the IPL 2021 edition will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday.

Mumbai Indians have three wins and as many losses from their first six matches and are hovering about the top-four places – only just. Chennai Super Kings have five wins and a loss from their first six matches and are leading the table, although Royal Challengers Bangalore can lay claim with a win on Friday.

Mumbai Indians started the season with two wins in three matches, but soon fell to back-to-back defeats. The move to Delhi has reinvigorated their season and a seven-wicket dominant win over Rajasthan Royals has got the energy back in the Champions’ camp.

Rohit Sharma (215 runs, SR 125.73) is yet to hit top form but still remains Mumbai’s best batsman. Rahul Chahar (11 wickets, ER 7.08) has been impressive with his wicket-taking abilities, while Jasprit Bumrah (five wickets, ER 5.91) continues to be frugal.

Mumbai Indians were happy to drop a batsman (Ishan Kishan) for a bowler (Nathan Coulter-Nile). Unless the pitch drastically changes, they may continue the same.

After starting the tournament with a seven-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals, the Chennai Super Kings have won five games in a row. Most of those wins were comprehensive and an indicator that CSK are back in the reckoning.

Faf du Plessis (270 runs, SR 140.62) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (192 runs, SR 129.72) remain their strongest batting bets at the top of the order. Moeen Ali’s all-round brilliance (148 runs, four wickets) and Ravindra Jadeja’s excellence (109 runs, five wickets, eight catches, two run-outs) is driving their season.

Darren Bravo could be in contention if Chennai look to beef their middle-order, but Ngidi has done well taking five wickets in just two matches.

Mumbai Indians have a 18-12 win-loss record against Chennai Super Kings in overall IPL matches. That includes a 9-2 record in their last 11 matches.

Last season saw the teams share the results in UAE. The Super Kings won the first match by five wickets with Lungi Ngidi (3/38) and Ambati Rayudu (71) leading Chennai. In the reverse match, Mumbai dismantled Chennai by 10 wickets with Trent Boult (4/18) and Ishan Kishan (68*) leading the show.

The change of venue has certainly helped Mumbai Indians who have found their batting mojo back. The team composition still remains a question, but the old swagger looks to be back. As for Chennai Super Kings, they are the team to beat so far and look well-balanced. The presence of all-rounders gives Chennai an additional edge, although the strike power of Mumbai may make a difference.

Mumbai Indians found their mojo once they reached Delhi, which is an ominous sign for opponents. As for Chennai Super Kings, they are already in the midst of a purple patch having struck the right chords. History suggests Mumbai, but recent form suggest Chennai especially if their opening pair gets going. Faf and Ruturaj have been in cracking form and should cherish posting the highest opening partnership of the match once again. They should also be favourties to end with a higher powerplay score.