IPL 2021: Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings – Preview, Prediction, Probable Playing XIs and Value Bets.
Match Details
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Saturday, May 1st, 2021
16:00 SA Time
Betting Preview
The 27th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will witness a clash of the titans when
Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will battle it out at Arun Jaitley Stadium in
Delhi. The two teams share 8 IPL trophies between them and it’s the most high profile rivalry in
the IPL. MI have dominated CSK head-to-head like no other team with an 18-12 scoreline.
However, CSK are on an incredible run with a five-match winning streak. The clash is expected
to be fiercely fought.
Mumbai Indians are having their typical start to most IPL seasons where they’re still warming
the engine. MI have played 6 games with 3 wins in their bank. After losing two consecutive
matches to Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, Rohit Sharma’s men made a strong comeback
with a convincing 7-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals. Opener Quinton de Kock’s return to
form is a great sign for the defending champions. MI’s bowling attack has looked good with
Rahul Chahar picking important wickets in the middle overs while Jasprit Bumrah continues to
be ever-reliant.
Chennai Super Kings have continued their dominating campaign this season with their fifth win
on the trot against SRH. CSK defeated the Orange Army by 7 wickets on Wednesday. MS
Dhoni-led team has put on all-round performances so far. Their batting has been in top notch
form with both the openers, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis doing bulk of the work. CSK
batters’ intent has made all the difference. Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran
continue to add immense all-round value. CSK’s bowling, which could be taken apart on any
given day, seems to be their weak link.
Injury and Availability News
Mumbai Indians have all their players available and they’re likely to stick with the same playing XI.
Chennai Super Kings’ Jason Behrendorff has completed the mandatory quarantine and will be
available to play.
Probable Playing XI
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Krunal Pandya,
Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jayant Yadav, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult,
Jasprit Bumrah
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati
Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c/wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar,
Lungi Ngidi
Pitch and Conditions
Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi usually serves slow surfaces with great assistance for spinners.
However, the pitch appeared to be a very good batting surface in the first two games this year. The
average first innings score at Delhi in IPL 2019 was 156.
Key Players to Watch Out For
Kieron Pollard: The West Indian T20 star is known for his ‘Clutch’ gameplay and the ability to rise
up in big moments. Kieron Pollard has been one of the pillars of Mumbai Indians for a decade.
Pollard had a magnificent season in IPL 2020 where he scored 268 runs at an average of 53.6
and struck at 191. However he hasn’t had much success this year and he’d like to change that
against his favourite opponent.
Jasprit Bumrah: Arguably the best limited overs pacer in the game currently, Jasprit Bumrah
has maintained unreal consistency in his performances. Awkward action, searing yorkers, pace,
movement and changeups make Bumrah incredibly hard to tackle. In IPL 2020, he had picked
27 wickets at an economy of 6.73. This season in 6 matches, he has bowled 23 overs and
conceded runs at only 5.91 rpo.
Ruturaj Gaikwad: The ‘sparkling’ CSK batter proved his mettle at the back end of IPL 2020.
After a string of low scores at the start of this season, Ruturaj Gaikwad is back amongst the
runs. Gaikwad, who averages 32 in this season, has scored 64, 33, 75 in his last three innings.
The most impressive thing about him is his ability to play both pace and spin with ease. It’ll be
interesting to see how Gaikwad fares against Bumrah and co.
Deepak Chahar: Known for his exceptional ability to swing and seam the ball upfront, Deepak
Chahar has done a good job for CSK in power-play overs. Chahar has picked 8 scalps so far
this season, 7 out of those have come in Powerplays at an economy rate of 7.7. Chahar will have
an opportunity to push MI on the backfoot by dismantling their top order.
What Bets To Take
Mumbai Indians
Chennai Super Kings