IPL 2020 starts with the league’s ‘El Classico’ contest. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings kickstart another season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and resume their rivalry in the process.
Champions of the champions will lock horns on September 19 (Saturday) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium Stadium in Anu Dhabi. Both teams will miss their key campaigners in this competition. While Chennai will miss the service of Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh, the defending champions will miss Lasith Malinga.
Both these teams have a rich history in the tournament and it is time for both teams to carry on the legacy. Here is a look at the 5 key players to watch out for in MI vs CSK encounter.
5 Key Players To Watch Out For in MI vs CSK encounter:
1. MS Dhoni
The CSK skipper is the ‘key’ player to watch out for. In the absence of Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh, MS Dhoni’s role of guiding the youngsters in the team becomes that much more important. He is also expected to bat higher up the order.
However, Dhoni might be a bit rusty as he returns to the game after a gap of 14months. But considering the big-match player, he is, the 39-year-old will leave no stones unturned to give his side a winning start.
An astute and experienced leader coupled with his immaculate understanding of the game, Dhoni might well dictate the fate of the game.
2. Shane Watson
The next key player to watch out for in the Chennai Super Kings camp is Shane Watson. The former Australian cricketer is one of the best all-rounders of the game. He too like Dhoni, has a calm head on his shoulders. Watson is just the perfect team man a captain would want in his side.
He comes in with a wealth of experience and looks ready for the season.
3. Rohit Sharma
The Mumbai Indians skipper is the most key player to watch out for his team. Whenever Rohit does well, Mumbai does well. Having led his team to four IPL titles, he has proved his mettle as a captain. Add to that his potential with the bat and the capability to play match-winning innings.
He will be returning after a brief gap owing to a finger injury. The Mumbai batsman will be hoping to set the stage on fire from the first game itself.
4. Kieron Pollard
The all-rounder is the next key player to watch out for in the Mumbai Indians team. Having led Trinbago Knight Riders to their fourth CPL title, Pollard is in fine form with the bat and looks keen to make an impact.
With his agility on the field and his match-changing spells with the ball, Pollard is always key whenever Mumbai plays Chennai.
5. Hardik Pandya
Ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya is making a return into cricket after recovering from his back injury. He is returning leaner, fitter and with a lot of preparation. Hardik has always played important cameos for Mumbai vs CSK, which makes him the last key player to watch out for in our list.
A handly bowler and an acrobatic fielder, Hardik will be aiming to make a meaningful contribution on his return to cricket. The all-rounder from Baroda will be desperate to make a stunning comeback as Mumbai Indians look to make a winning start.