The IPL 8 has reached its business end with just four games remaining. The four teams CSK, MI, RCB and RR have done tremendously well in order to make it to the playoffs. From now on, it is just the matter of performing well on the given day and executing your plans to perfection will mean a positive result for a team. The first play-off game is scheduled to take place between the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings on May 19 at Wankhede Stadium.
In T20 cricket, the head to head battles hold a massive significance. In order for the team to succeed, the individuals should perform their given tasks with precision. The individuals need to counter their opposing number efficiently so that in the larger frame, the team gets to its desired results. There is absolutely no doubt over the abilities of the two sides. Mumbai Indians, the hosts have been sensational in the second half of the IPL. For the second season in a row, they have made a stellar comeback and stormed their way into the playoffs. On the other hand, the Chennai Super Kings though have had no such qualifying worries. They began smoothly and ended as the table toppers.
In this article, we have a look at the five head to head battles to watch out for in the first qualifier.
1. LASITH MALINGA vs CSK OPENERS (DWAYNE SMITH AND MICHAEL HUSSEY):
Malinga personally has a good record against the men in yellow. Malinga’s most memorable performance against the Super Kings came in the final of the 2013 IPL, when he made a mess of the CSK top order. With Brendon McCullum off for his national duties, the onus will be on Mike Hussey and Dwayne Smith to take the Super Kings off to a flier. There are doubts over Hussey’s form and Smith has struggled in this IPL so far. Malinga must build on that advantage and strike early for the hosts. Well begun, will be half the battle won for the Mumbai Indians.
2. ASHISH NEHRA vs MI OPENERS (PARTHIV PATEL AND LENDL SIMMONS):
It was Ashish Nehra who rocked the Mumbai top order when these two sides first clashed at the Wankhede stadium this year. This has been Nehra’s finest IPL season and he has looked completely rejuvenated. Nehra has been phenomenal with the new ball and his consistency has been a big plus for the Super Kings. With Nehra around, Dhoni does not need to worry about the opposition openers settling in. However, Nehra struggled when these sides met in Chennai. The end result of that was in Mumbai’s favour. Thus it is crucial for Nehra for strike and dent the Mumbai Indians early.
3. HARBHAJAN SINGH vs SURESH RAINA:
The two have had contrasting performances in this IPL so far. While Raina has struggled and looked impatient; Harbhajan has prospered and looked like his good old self. Bhajji has a superb record against the Super Kings, and his numbers are even better against the left handers. On the other hand, Raina would be desperate to deliver for the Super Kings at any cost. Raina has played two blinders in playoff games at the Wankhede. In the first qualifier of the 2011 IPL, Raina played a blinder and scored 73*(50). In the second qualifier of the 2014 edition, Raina scored 87 off just 25 balls against the Kings XI. Raina indeed relishes batting at the Wankhede in playoffs. It will be Harbhajan’s duty to stop him for sure! If Raina gets going, then the Mumbai Indians better prepare for a game in Ranchi!
4. R. ASHWIN vs ROHIT/POLLARD:
What Harbhajan has been for Mumbai; Ashwin has been for Chennai. The tall off spinner from Tamil Nadu has bowled with a big heart in this IPL so far. Ever since the World Cup began, Ashwin seems to have found a lot of confidence. He is not afraid to toss the ball up and tempt the batsmen. In the middle overs, it will be Ashwin’s job to restrict Rohit and Pollard. Rohit Sharma has not found a lot of success against Ashwin. Ashwin must attack Rohit from the very first ball. Placing Rohit and Pollard on the back foot will be the key for Super Kings. Ashwin can also mix up the variations productively.
5. MS DHONI vs ROHIT SHARMA:
This battle may not take place at a personal level, but it surely will be present in the background! This is the most significant battle! The battle of the two lions! Both the skippers have led their sides terrifically and there have been no second thoughts regarding that. Dhoni has been at his instinctive best and has trusted his players to do their jobs. Rohit on the other hand has been extremely tactful and proactive. Rohit’s captaincy skills in this IPL have been the most impressive aspect for Indian fans. He has given McClaneghan and Malinga the extra overs so that they attack more. The captain who handles the pressure better today, and utilizes his resources in a more efficient manner will surely be the winner!