Chennai Super Kings - L L W L L

This is a nightmare season for CSK that started with Suresh Raina pulling out of IPL to now, where they find themselves being knocked out of the tournament. This is the kind of form that CSK would have never encountered, which speaks volumes about the season they are having. Having won just 1 match in their last 5 matches, it would certainly take a miracle for them to return back to form this season as they have struggled to find balance in the squad. With Sam Curran opening the innings, it did feel like they are close to finding their best XI, but the move has failed to change the fortunes of Chennai. Although they defeated Mumbai in the first match of the tournament, they will find it extremely hard this time around to get over the ropes against them. 

The defending champions have so far justified the title of being the most successful team in IPL by getting 5 wins in 9 matches. They did suffer defeat in their last match, but the match went down the wire, where two Super Overs had to be played in order to get a result. Such is the strength of Mumbai that to get a win against them the opposing team has to be amazingly good. In the last meeting between the teams, although, CSK defeated them, they were aided by Mumbai themselves as they are known to be slow-starters when it comes to IPL. But now, they have picked up the form and are looking as lethal as ever. Hence, they will back themselves to pull one over Chennai.

Having already scored 375 runs in 10 matches, Faf has looked comfortable whenever he has come out to bat for Chennai this season. Although he got out early in the last match, he looked in great touch in the few balls he played at the crease. The matches where other batsmen have given some support to the South African have ended it CSK’s favour, resulting in just 3 wins for the franchise. He has by far been the most dependable batsman for CSK, hence, making him an obvious choice for the key batsman for CSK. 

Chennai Super Kings - Deepak Chahar

This is the most obvious choice, given that he has been in brilliant form in the last few matches. Having picked up 10 wickets in the last 5 matches and 15 wickets in 9 matches in total, he has picked up his form quite amazingly after looking like a pale version of himself initially. In the last match too, he was incredible in the Super Over, giving just 5 runs for 2 wickets, that too against the destructive batting lineup of Punjab. Hence, he will hold the key for Mumbai with the ball against Chennai. 

MI: Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult.

Where to Watch: Star Sports Network and Hotstar (in India)