IPL Match 41: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians Predictions and Preview

Looking at Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, it’s hard to imagine that these two teams played the final last year. MI still seem like finals material, and they are still well in line to reach this year’s, but CSK are absolutely down and out with only an inkling of a chance left - and that is if they win their last 4 matches and other teams are very unfortunate. This would have been an open and shut case a game ago, but after Mumbai Indians faced defeat to formerly last-place Kings XI Punjab, nothing’s for certain anymore. That being said, CSK’s last match saw their most dismal performance yet. Mumbai need the win to catch up with Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Chennai need it just to have any faraway hopes alive. Before the match starts, let’s take a look at these two.

Chennai Super Kings Preview & Form

A fall from grace is always hard to swallow, and the bigger they are, the harder they fall. After being in the top 4 in every season they’ve taken part in, Chennai Super Kings will most likely not make the playoffs this season. Questions will be asked, and an overhaul looks imminent, but for now, they can still try to get back. In their last match, they were completely dominated by Rajasthan Royals’ bowlers, finishing their soporific display of batting at a pitiful total of 125. In reply, despite an early scare, Rajasthan eased to a win courtesy of Jos Buttler’s 70. CSK need to make some changes and play their hearts out if they want to have one last crack at the playoffs.

Mumbai Indians Preview & Form

After a glorious run of 5 wins, Mumbai Indians finally faltered against KXIP of all teams. Starting slowly after a flurry of wickets, their inning was steadied by Quinton de Kock and Krunal Pandya before Kieron Pollard and Nathan Coulter-Nile elevated it from mediocre to strong by taking the total to 176. In reply, KL Rahul played his heart out with a crucial 77 off 51. However, his teammates failed to finish the match - taking it to a Super Over. The first super over turned out to be another tie after Rohit Sharma and de Kock played some truly questionable shots, but the second was won by KXIP fair and square. MI must keep their eyes on the prize and go back to their winning ways, or risk going into the lower qualifying berth.

CSK vs MI Match Prediction

Chennai were one of only 3 teams to beat Mumbai so far this year, and they must draw confidence from that. Expect Faf du Plessis and Ravindra Jadeja to create a heap of runs, while Deepak Chahar and Sam Curran show their skills with the ball.

The strength of Mumbai’s lineup, when utilized correctly, should give them a win over this iteration of CSK. Expect Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav to make the runs, while Jasprit Bumrah and Rahul Chahar stem the opponents’ flow of the same.

Can all Chennai’s experience help them pull off a miracle? Or will Mumbai knock their biggest rivals out of contention? Find out on Friday!