CSK vs MI, IPL 2019: Top five player battles - Rohit Sharma’s nemesis revealed

The MS Dhoni-led side roared back to form after two losses, with a six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday, riding on Shane Watson’s big hitting.

They might have already reached the cut-off limit of 16 points needed for the play-offs, but Chennai Super Kings would like to consolidate their position at the top when they take on an inconsistent Mumbai Indians in an IPL match in Chennai on Friday.

The MS Dhoni-led side roared back to form after two losses, with a six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday, riding on Shane Watson’s big hitting.Come Friday, the hosts would be looking to continue the momentum.

The visitors, currently in third spot with 12 points from 10 games, are coming off a defeat against Rajasthan Royals and will be keen to keep themselves in the hunt for the playoffs.

While CSK have welcomed Watson’s return to form, the team would be hoping for Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu and Kedar Jadhav to get going ahead of the knockout phase. It is important for Jadhav to get his touch back with the World Cup looming.

Here’s a look at the top five player battles to watch out for in the match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.

Faf du Plessis vs Lasith Malinga

Faf du Plessis will have to be wary of Lasith Mainga as he has struggled against him in the Indian Premier League. The South African has been dismissed twice and has scored just 16 runs off 25 balls against the fast bowler in the competition. Malinga will surely look to dismiss Du Plessis early on in his innings, while the opening batsman may look to cautiously play him out.

MS Dhoni vs Jasprit Bumrah

MS Dhoni has been a mentor for all the young Indian bowlers in the last few years and in the next IPL match, the mentor Dhoni will be taking on Jasprit Bumrah. The fast bowler is known for his performance in the death overs and he will be certainly confident when he faces MS Dhoni. Bumrah has dismissed Dhoni thrice in the IPL, while the wicketkeeper-batsman has managed 39 runs from 38 balls against the speedster.

Shane Watson vs Krunal Pandya

It will be interesting to see how Shane Watson takes on Krunal Pandya. The Australian has scored just 8 runs off 17 balls and has been dismissed once by the all-rounder in the Indian Premier League. Watson may look to take the aggressive approach against Krunal to have an effect on his confidence as soon as he comes onto bowl.

Hardik Pandya vs Imran Tahir

Hardik Pandya and Imran Tahir haven’t faced each other much in the IPL, but Tahir has had an upper hand in their short battle so far. The leg-spinner has dismissed Pandya once and the Mumbai all-rounder has batted at a meagre strike-rate of 63.64 in the IPL. It will be interesting to see whether Hardik takes the aggressive approach or will he look to play Tahir out in their next match.

Rohit Sharma vs Dwayne Bravo

Dwayne Bravo will be fancying his chances against Rohit Sharma as he has dismissed the Mumbai captain five times in the Indian Premier League. Rohit has struggled against the Chennai all-rounder, batting at a strike-rate of 113.64. Since Rohit will be opening the batting, Dhoni may look to introduce Bravo early on in Mumbai’s innings.