IPL 8 Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians Qualifier 1: Top-Five Battles to Watch Out For
Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians are level at 1-1 in IPL 8. With their all-important qualifier beckoning on Tuesday evening, here are the top-five individual battles that can give one of the two teams the ultimate bragging right. The winner goes straight to Sunday's final.
Two teams lock horns in the first qualifier of the Indian Premier League 2015 on Tuesday - one known for being extremely consistent and the other for its panache for fighting real hard. In a boxing bout, it would be seen as the established champion's fight against the spirited challenger. In cricketing terms though, a Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians contest is quite enough to explain the expertise, excellence and excitement that fans would be treated to. The loser at Wankhede Stadium will get one more chance but both Chennai and Mumbai absolutely despise settling for anything less than an outright win. (Complete coverage of IPL | Fixtures)
Chennai have won IPL twice and topped this year's league stage, again. A battalion that refuses to lay down its arms, the side is once again favourites to win. Speaking of wins though, Mumbai made a stunning comeback this season to win seven of their last eight league fixtures. Even in the last IPL, the franchise qualified for playoffs on the back of five successive wins. A 'never-say-die' attitude is the hallmark of the team but in a contest where cricketing warriors will wage individual wars for the glory of the team, here are the superhero battles to watch out for. (Also read: Why Chennai could be in trouble vs Mumbai in qualifier 1)
MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma: Experience vs Youthful Exuberance
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Chennai draws their maximum strength from MS Dhoni's leadership. An able and established general, Dhoni has taken the franchise to astounding highs since the inaugural edition in 2008. Even when the trophy eluded the side, Chennai managed to register strong performances that impressed one and all. It is not easy to lead a squad full of international superheroes but Dhoni has done it repeatedly - and with casual ease.
Even Rohit would agree that his Team India captain is a maverick figure but the 28-year-old is no rookie himself. If Dhoni is a general in his team, Rohit is more like a young commander in the Mumbai camp -- one who will sweat it out as much as his men. Mumbai Indians have no shortage of inspirational figures with Ricky Ponting as coach and Sachin Tendulkar as mentor. On the field though, there can be only one man in-charge and captain Rohit it always is.
Both leaders will also look to bat up a storm to add to their side's batting prowess.
Dwayne Smith vs Mitchell McClenaghan: Bludgeoning bat vs Blistering Ball
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Dwayne Smith has smashed 325 runs from 13 innings in IPL 8 so far. A strike rate of 120 right at the top makes him a deadly prospect for bowlers - many surrendering arms even before truly feeling the pain from mighty hits. His role in the qualifier becomes even more crucial as 'partner-in-crime' Brendon McCullum has returned home for New Zealand vs England Test series. The Caribbean though is known for his solo calypsos with the bat and it is unlikely that Mumbai would appreciate the music if he gets going.
One look at Mitchell McClenaghan though amply shows that this Kiwi likes nothing more than the thunder of timber. Put away the drums and finish the calypso early if this 28-year-old pacer finds form with the ball. McClenaghan has claimed 14 wickets in this season but his real strength lies in striking early and striking firmly.
Both Smith and McClenaghan have created a menacing reputation for themselves this season - for the opposite reasons. Their faceoff then will be an epic clash with only one winner - rather survivor.
Suresh Raina vs Lasith Malinga: When Crafty Batting Meets Slinging Yorkers
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Suresh Raina is a wily customer. He can come in the first five overs or in the last five and still prove his worth to rob the match away from the opposition. He has taken to the No. 3 spot like fish to water or tiger to meat - stalking, leaping, killing and all in one casual day in the field. With 321 runs in the ongoing season, Raina has helped his side score mammoth totals and script epic chases. Against Mumbai in the qualifier, he would once again look to establish a base and shoot all guns blazing from there.
The task may get a bit complicated if Malinga returns the fire early. After all, his yorkers are almost as quick as bullets. The Sri Lankan has had 19 successes this season - most being highlighted by broken stumps uprooted with murderous intent. And yet, he appears more and more hungry each time he steps out. In the qualifier, expect him to target CSK top-order with villainous resolve - especially against Raina's bid for more heroism.
Dwayne Bravo vs Kieron Pollard: Dance, Drama and Duel
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No two cricketers have been as charismatic this IPL as Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard. One flies like Superman to grab catches, the other hits like Rambo to destroy balls. One dances like Travolta in Dirty Dancing, the other is 'in-your-bare-face' like di Caprio in Wolf of Wall Street. Yes, there is drama by the dozen in their cricket but what when the two all-rounders bat and ball against each other?
Bravo has claimed 20 wickets - highest in IPL 8 so far -- and scored 166 runs this season. Pollard has smashed 342 runs and picked three wickets. To distinguish between the value they bring to their respective teams would be like separating two needles from a haystack. Therefore, their duel in the qualifier would be one of the biggest highlights when Chennai face off against Mumbai.
Ravichandran Ashwin vs Lendl Simmons: Guile vs Workmanlike
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R Ashwin has been a rather silent contributor in Chennai's IPL 8 tale. With nine wickets, he has largely played the supporting role. Many epic tales though become blockbusters because of the supporting cast. And Ashwin seems to have no issues going about his business without the pressure of limelight.
Simmons too has similar characteristics. Unlike fellow Carribeans in the Mumbai and Chennai team, this man is content building a foundation without much pomp and splendor. That he has scored 407 runs with four fifties makes him the silent force that can propel Mumbai's innings right up at the top. He is known to play spin with good aggression but Ashwin too has been there, done that, and seen a whole lot of all. Their duel may not be electric in terms of antics but can surely be the cornerstone of the first qualifier.