IPL 12: Clash of big guns

Mumbai: They have won six IPL trophies between them – three each — and are regarded the most successful franchises. They will lock horns in a pulsating encounter at Wankhede stadium here on Wednesday. Former champions Mumbai Indians host holders Chennai Super Kings.

Mumbai Indians are in familiar situation after three games. They have made a habit of poor starts and have lost two already in three games. The only win came in tight encounter against Royal Challengers Bangalore in controversial circumstances.

CSK, on the other hand, are sitting pretty after registering three wins in as many games. The yellow brigade comprising mostly of experienced campaigners have carried on from last season’s success.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has led from the front, while Shane Watson, Suresh Raina and Dwayne Bravo have been contributing well. Dhoni has used Indian pacers well and mixed his spinners smartly who are their main weapon.

However, the visiting spinners will be tested at the Wankhede that offers true bounce.  

However, Harbhajan Singh who has played enough cricket here and Imran Tahir can make good use of the bounce here.

Mumbai bowlers have conceded too many runs and their batsmen have done well but only in patches. In the previous match here Rishabh Pant blinder took the match out of their grasp and they will be hoping to learn from that. Like CSK, Mumbai also has experienced campaigners like Lasith Malinga and Kieron Pollard but both haven’t been effective as Bravo and Watson.

Rohit Sharma has opened the innings for Mumbai in all three games and he will want to make maximum impact with a big innings.

Jasprit Bumrah remains the key and Mumbai suffer badly when he too goes for runs like the previous encounter here. The blue brigade are not known for making too many changes. It remains to be seen whether newly-signed Antiguan pacer Alzarri Joseph gets a game with both Malinga and Mitchell McClenaghan going for runs.

Joseph’s West Indian team-mate Evin Lewis who is known for his aggressive hitting in power play overs is also waiting for his first game. Australian pacer Jason Behrendorff is also available after featuring in ODI series against Pakistan, so Mumbai have enough options in pace department.