The rivalry between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings is considered one of the classics in the Indian Premier League.
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In cricket, there are some classic rivalries. However, there is no distinct rivalry in T20 Leagues. In other sporting leagues in the world, the Manchester Derby, the La Liga, The Old Firm, El Clasico, Superclasico all have a great sense of history and passion. Apart from the Ashes and the occasional passion and jingoism attached to India vs Australia or India vs Pakistan, there is none in cricket. Even in the IPL, there is a Kaveri Derby involving Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings.
However, when it comes to Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, this match-up gives the tournament a distinct edge. It is Rohit Sharma vs MS Dhoni. Two of the greatest captains currently in the modern era with Virat Kohli. Rohit has been ta superb Twenty20 captain for India. Dhoni has won every tournament that has been played. It is the presence of Rohit vs Dhoni that makes the Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians clash such a treat to watch.
When it comes to the domestic circuit, it is Mumbai that have always dominated. The Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare has seen Mumbai dominate. In the Indian Super League, Mumbai City FC and Chennai. Tamil Nadu have managed to win the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament in cricket.
In the IPL though, Mumbai Indians have surged ahead in the competition. Until 2013, Chennai Super Kings held the dominance. However, when Rohit ascended the captaincy in 2013, the tables have turned. In eight years, Mumbai Indians have managed to surge ahead in the head-to-head advantage and in the number of titles. Before the IPL 2021 match, Mumbai Indians have a 18-12 advantage over Chennai Super Kings. Mumbai Indians are the first side to win the title five times.
The thing that will hurt Chennai Super Kings is that their quest for dominance and being considered as one of the greatest franchisees of all time has taken a hit because of Mumbai Indians. Rohit’s team have won three out of their five titles by beating CSK. Slowly but systematically, Rohit has managed to chip away at Dhoni’s dominance.
From 2015 onwards, Mumbai Indians have a 9-3 head-to-head advantage. Until 2014, the rivalry was evenly matched at 9-9. Mumbai Indians had the better of Chennai Super Kings in Chepauk and vice versa for Dhoni’s team. In a rivalry, there are periods where teams will dominate. Currently, this is Mumbai Indians’ period.
IPL 2021 has not begun on a consistent note for Mumbai Indians. However, CSK will be wanting to regain lost ground now. They have fallen behind Mumbai Indians in every aspect. It is time to reclaim that. The match in Delhi will set the course for another chapter in this classic rivalry.
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