Mumbai: The thundering applause following their dramatic entry into the IPL playoffs is yet to die down even as Mumbai Indians take the formidable Chennai Super Kings in the Eliminator at Brabourne stadium here on Wednesday.
The Rohit Sharma-led side are riding on a crest of a wave having won four games on the trot including a sensational five-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals which saw them chase down the target of 190 in 14.4 overs. On the other hand, CSK’s form has been inconsistent in the second half of the season.
They lost four of their last seven games and missed out on second spot in the league table by a whisker. However, the fact that Mumbai are yet to taste a victory against the two-time IPL champions this season makes it an interesting contest.
M.S. Dhoni & Co. also boast an impressive play-offs record as they have advanced to play five finals in seven editions. Wednesday’s clash is a repeat of last year’s final where Mumbai clinched their maiden crown.
Mumbai’s biggest worry is their bowling and the non-availability of Lasith Malinga, who is on a national duty, has made the matters worse in the death overs. Mumbai conceded 130 runs in the last ten overs of their last league game against Rajasthan Royals.
Praveen Kumar, who missed the last two matches, might return to Mumbai bowling attack. Young Jasprit Bumrah has been economical and it’s time Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha used their experience.
As Brabourne will be hosting its first IPL game in three seasons, both teams have little knowledge over the wicket.
