IPL 2021, CSK vs MI preview: Both sides eye win to edge closer to playoffs berth

After four months of an unexpected break, the 2021 Indian Premier League resumes in the gulf country of the United Arab Emirates. In Match 30, former champion Chennai Super Kings takes on defending champion Mumbai Indians at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

Both sides have had a decent tournament so far and look set to seal the playoffs berth. However, with some work yet to be done, both would be eyeing a win here that would edge them closer to the playoffs while we present the preview of this enthralling tie.

Team composition
Considering the sides, CSK happens to have a tide heavy bowling side. Regarding the match being held on an evenly track in Dubai, a balanced side could be expected from CSK. Led by MS Dhoni, the likes of Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, and Deepak Chahar would be watched out for.

As for MI, it too has a similar side to CSK and would move in with the same mentality. For the players to watch out, besides skipper Rohit Sharma, the focus would also be upon Chris Lynn, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah.

Current form
Both the sides have played seven games so far. CSK has gained five wins and a couple of losses, as it is two to three wins away from the playoffs, currently placed second. As for MI, it has won four and lost three and is placed on fourth, while three to four wins should seal its spot too.

Injury concerns
Fresh into the resumption, none of the sides has any injury concern.

Head-to-head
Of the 33 games between the two to date, CSK has won 13, with MI winning 20, while of the 31 IPL matches, MI leads 19-12. In UAE, of the three games, CSK leads 2-1, while in Dubai, they have clashed once, with CSK having the upper hand.

Weather and pitch report
The weather in Dubai would be hot, with the temperature likely to be around 39 degrees and 42% humidity. As for the track, it is to assist both batsmen and bowlers, with the side winning the toss likely to bowl first.

Probable XI
CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, J Hazlewood, Shardul Thakur, Lungi Ngidi and Deepak Chahar.
MI: Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult.

Fantasy XI
Batsmen: Rohit, Pollard, du Plessis (vc), Gaikwad- Rohit and de Plessis can consolidate at the top, while Pollard and Gaikwad are expected to do the same in the middle. Du Plessis's great form makes him the deputy skipper.
Wicketkeeper: De Kock- He is the opener in form and is a no-brainer for being Rohit's opening partner.
All-rounder: Jadeja, Moeen, Curran- The CSK trio form an undisputed all-rounder line-up and are sure to fire in all departments, considering their fine form.
Bowlers: Boult, Jayant, Chahar- The MI trio headlines the bowling department, while lack of credits compels us to pick Jayant, as Bumrah misses out, whose Twenty20 form of late has not been stable.

Match details
Date and day: September 19, 2021 (Sunday)
Venue: Dubai International Stadium
Time: 7.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar

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