IPL 6: Match 5 - CSK vs MI: CSK Preview

“Chennai Super Kings ku periya whistle adinga!” – The mystical chant reverberates each time the Men in Yellow walk out into the middle at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium (or Chepauk). Having made a consistent habit of making it to the semi-finals on all 5 previous occasions (and winning the title twice), CSK would look to carry on from where they left off in 2012.

Built around the same core team since 2008, CSK has a solid line-up in place to combat the Ponting-led Mumbai Indians. The likes of Murali Vijay and S Badrinath have proven themselves to be more than a handful for any opposition, while Suresh Raina would enjoy going back to a format he excels in. CSK would be missing the services of Francois du Plessis for at least a month though due to a back injury; the South African can be devastating with the bat and is a brilliant fielder as well as a handy leg-break bowler.

Spin also seems to be their forte, and it will be a torrid test for the MI batsmen, especially on a track that has been known to assist the slower bowlers from the word go. Ravichandran Ashwin, Shadab Jakati and Ravindra Jadeja hold the key in the spin department, while Raina can also be a viable part-time option. In Ben Hilfenhaus and Dirk Nannes, CSK has a potent seam attack, with excellent back-up from all-rounders Dwayne Bravo and Albie Morkel, the latter (along with Chris Morris) being doubtful for a couple of matches due to South African domestic commitments.

The biggest factor though, will be the presence of two of the coolest heads in the business – skipper MS Dhoni and former Aussie batting mainstay Michael Hussey. Although the team would miss the services of Sri Lanka’s Akila Dananjaya and seamer Nuwan Kulasekara, they nevertheless have enough in their arsenal to rattle the MI batting line-up, or at least keep it under pressure.

Conditions

Traditionally, the Chepauk stadium has been on the slower side. There has also been the odd bounce which surprises batsmen and fielders alike. Similar to the Eden Gardens track, this pitch is decidedly advantageous for the side bowling first. However, in recent times, the track has become a batting paradise – a happy hunting ground for MI’s Sachin Tendulkar. So, this game will be an equal contest between bat and ball – only if the MI batsmen can get their act together after the disaster in Bangalore. And because this is a night match, dew will also play some significant role.

Players to watch out for

MS Dhoni – The skipper will be refreshed and raring to go after a good break. CSK’s middle order will rely on him and Hussey to shore up the innings and accelerate towards the end. He seems to have rediscovered his form after a good run in recent series, and will be a very dangerous customer to handle for MI.

Suresh Raina - IPL’s highest scorer and CSK’s reliable one-down bat will be itching to get back into the selectors’ minds. In a format tailor-made for his style of batting, Raina will once again be the go-to man for providing the impetus at number three. He can be a handy bowler too and his fielding is an asset.

Michael Hussey – Post retirement, Mr. Cricket would be looking to get back to action in the IPL. He can anchor and accelerate, and, at 37, is still one of the fastest runners between the wickets. Agile in the field as well, MI would want to get him early.

X Factors: Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja and Murali Vijay.

Prediction

Mumbai Indians have another tough contest on their hands. Going by their showing against the Royal Challengers, the batting, bowling and fielding have to be absolutely top-notch in humid conditions. Expect another humdinger if not a high-scoring game. My money’s on Chennai Super Kings.