IPL 2021, MI vs CSK: Check out the predicted starting lineups

Clash of the Titans is the perfect description when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) meet Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The two most successful teams in the IPL, outfits with character and resilience, that’s what CSK and MI are. And when they clash at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday, it will be two heavyweights landing blows on each other. CSK’s punches have been more on target lately though. MS Dhoni’s men have run into serious form with five wins in six games. Mumbai Indians, invariably a sluggish starter, has three in six.

Here are the predicted lineups:

MUMBAI INDIANS (MI):

Rohit Sharma: Rohit Sharma is the leading run getter for MI. However, the MI skipper failed to trouble the opposition against DC. He is having a mixed start to this edition of IPL.

Quinton de Kock: After his match winning knock against Rajasthan, De Kock cemented his place top of the order. He will look to continue his form against the strong bowling line up of CSK.

Surya Kumar Yadav: He never fails to amaze us with his incredible timing and effortless shots. Surya and Rohit have been the only batsmen who have stepped up for MI this season.

Ishan Kishan: After getting dropped in the previous 2 matches, Ishan will be looking to get a promising knock against CSK.

Hardik Pandya: Hardik will be looking to improve his performances with bat, having failed to make an impact on the scorecard until now. He hasn’t been used to bowl for MI, so he is in the team as a full-time batsman rather than an all-rounder. MI will be hoping that he can find his rhythm back.

Kieron Pollard: He hasn’t been the player we know; Pollard is yet to fire for MI in the death overs. He will be looking to improve his performance against CSK.

Krunal Pandya: Krunal has been an important figure in the bowling department. He was promoted up the order against DC and made full use of it scoring 39 off 26 balls to seal the win.

Rahul Chahar: He has been the best bowler for Mumbai Indians, picking up 11 wickets while bowling at an average of 15 and an economy rate of 6.85. He will be hoping to repeat the feat and derail the CSK batting line-up.

Jasprit Bumrah: The go-to bowler for Rohit Sharma, Bumrah has shown his world-class capability of bowling at the death. Bumrah did not get off to the best of starts in IPL 2021. His excellent performance against DC proved that he is still one of the best in the business.

Trent Boult: Boult possesses a well-disguised slower ball along with some fiery pace. While the left-armer has the ability to pick up wickets, he has also proved to be expensive.

Jayant Yadav: This man is capable of doing it with the ball as well as with the bat. His inclusion deepens the already deep batting line-up of MI. He can get through with his quota very quickly and effectively.

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS (CSK):

Ruturaj Gaikwad: After failing to make an impact in the initial matches, Ruturaj looks to have found form in this IPL. His excellent partnership with Faf Du Plessis at the top helped CSK win their last 3 matches.

Faf Du Plessis: He has been a pillar for the CSK batting for quite a while now. Faf’s incredible run in this IPL continues with the South African CSK’s top run-getter this season. He is 41 runs behind Shikhar Dhawan who is the orange cap holder.

Moeen Ali: His addition to the CSK squad adds more depth in the batting and bowling departments. Moeen has been amongst the wickets and has scored some crucial runs with the bat.

Suresh Raina: Started off this edition with a half-century after missing the entirety of last edition. He has been able to get the starts but has failed to convert it into a big score. CSK will be hoping for Raina to get some runs under his belt.

Ambati Rayudu: He hasn’t been at his best this edition. Rayudu is generally a very reliable batsman when it comes to scoring runs. He is yet to trouble the scorecard this season.

MS Dhoni (C and WK): We witnessed glimpses of the Dhoni we know against KKR as he promoted himself up the order. The veteran has shown he has still got it in his locker.

Ravindra Jadeja: He continues to impress us with his exquisite fielding, batting and bowling efforts in the edition of IPL. Jadeja’s importance to the CSK squad is unmatchable.

Sam Curran: This talented English boy can bat and bowl at any stage of the match. Whether it be batting at number 3 or number 7, Sam can do it all. With the new ball, he can swing it both ways making him a key asset to this CSK squad.

Lungi Ngidi: His inclusion in the squad has given CSK a boost in their bowling department. Ngidi picked up 5 crucial wickets in the 2 matches he has played, helping CSK cross the line.

Shardul Thakur: He has not had the best of starts in this IPL, has been pretty expensive in the matches played. He will be looking to improve his economy going ahead in this tournament.

Deepak Chahar: His incredible form continues as sits third in the purple cap list. Deepak will want to prove his worth to the selection committee for the T20 World Cup.