Chennai Super Kings Vs Mumbai Indians - Preview

In today's match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, we could expect to see a huge number of personal contests within the contest. Hayden Vs Harbhajan, Captain Dhoni Vs Captain Sachin, Jayasuria Vs Murali, Hussey Vs Pollock. But all these contests fade in front of the contest going on the minds of each Chennai Super Kings fans' mind. Whom to support during the match? Team led by Master Blaster or their own City Team?

Pitch

The pitch, shorn of grass is very similar to the condition of the pitch that hosted the first test match between India and South Africa in the recent series. Thanks to the pitch, Chennai Super Kings start as favourites in today's match.

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Comparison - Chennai Super Kings XI Vs Mumbai Indians XI - Batting

Mathew Hayden Vs Sanath Jayasuria

Both are explosive batsman who could change their game on their own. Though both of them got good starts in the last match, they were not able to utilize the opportunity. So both of them would be waiting to prove their worth to their respective teams. Verdict: Equal

Parthiv Patel Vs Sachin Tendulkar (L Ronchi)

Nobody would have any doubts on this comparison. The biggest asset of Mumbai Indians towers over Parthiv Patel. But doubts still persisting over Tendulkar's ability to play, L Ronchi may come as a placement. If so, both the teams are equal with regard to the ability of Ronchi and Parthiv.

Hussey Vs DJ Thornley/Bravo

Mr. Cricket's abilities with the bat surely towers above Thornley or any of his replacements. With regard to the important No:3 position, Chennai Super Kings are hugely ahead. Verdict: CSK Hugely Ahead

Uthappa Vs Dhoni

Both are aggressive players. Both are considered by a few as over rated players. Both have the ability to clear balls out of the grounds. Verdict: Equal

Pinal Shah/Tiwary Vs Raina - Verdict : CSK Ahead

Badrinath Vs Nayar:

Considered by a huge number of cricket fans as one of the most talented players not to be given an opportunity in Indian national side, Badrinath surely scores over Nayar. Verdict: CSK Ahead

Oram Vs Pollock

Both the players have the ability to send towering sixes in the slog overs. Verdict: Equal

Comparison - Chennai Super Kings XI Vs Mumbai Indians XI - Bowling

Nehra Vs Gony

In the first match against Bangalore Royal Challengers, Nehra was only a ghost of his former self. Personally I am not expecting much from him. With the expectation that the pitch won't  be providing any assistance to bowlers, Gony's pace could make the difference. Verdict: CSK Slightly Ahead

Pollock Vs Oram

Pollock showed in the first match that his experience still counts. Verdict: Mumbai Indians Ahead

Harbhajan Vs Murali

Harbhajan may be a talented spinner but he is surely not a match for the smiling wizard. (at least not yet) Verdict: CSK Ahead

Kulkarani Vs Joginder Sharma - Verdict: Equal

Jayasuria Vs Jakati -  Verdict - Mumbai Indians Ahead

 

Summary

Chennai Super Kings have a strong batting line up considered to Mumbai Indians... thanks to their strong middle order. With Tendulkar not expected to play today's match, Mumbai Indians' batting line up looks weakened, compared to Chennai Super Kings. In the bowling department, Mumbai Indians have mustered a better lineup than Chennai Super Kings. But with the pitch not expected to provide any assistance to the bowlers, this may not be a huge factor.

 

My Prediction: A Comprehensive Chennai Super Kings Win