Two former champions with contrasting starts to this season, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians will battle it out in the finals of IPL 2015 at the Eden Gardens.
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CSK have been the most consistent side in IPL history, reaching their sixth final in eight editions, while for Mumbai it is a third final. A close battle is on the cards as these two sides face off for a third time in an IPL final. CSK were crowned champions in 2010, while Mumbai won the title in 2013. This will also be their fourth encounter this season, with Mumbai currently on top leading 2-1.
Mumbai’s comeback from a dreadful start has been inspiring and entertaining, while CSK’s dominant performance throughout the season makes them the most feared opposition. Mumbai have gained tremendous momentum losing only one in eight games but it would be wrong to write off MS Dhoni’s side.
INCONSISTENT BATSMEN
CSK showed their fighting spirit against RCB after battling a slow turning track to chase 139 with only a ball to spare all thanks to Mike Hussey’s 46-ball knock of 56. MS Dhoni and Faf du Plessis played a key role but another worrying sign for CSK is the form of opener Dwayne Smith and star batsman Suresh Raina, who departed without opening his account and has not crossed the 400-run mark for the first time in eight seasons. Ever since the departure of their highest run-getter Brendon McCullum, CSK’s middle-order has succumbed to pressure and failed consistently.
#MI‘s Lendl Simmons (158) and #CSK‘s Dwayne Smith (152) have faced most dot balls in #IPL 2015 #CSKvsMI
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) May 19, 2015
Similar to CSK, Mumbai have been largely dependent on their opener and leading run-scorer Lendl Simmons (472) but the Windies batsman is well backed by partner Parthiv Patel (339) and skipper Rohit Sharma (432). Joining them in the middle is all-rounder Kieron Pollard averaging 38.30 with a strike rate of 160.92 and Ambati Rayudu, who has been in good form but has not had enough opportunity to express himself.
BOWLING ATTACK
CSK’s batsmen have been poor in the second half of the season but their overall bowling attack tends to bail them out on most occasions. To begin with, R Ashwin became the first CSK bowler to reach 90 wickets in IPL while pacer Ashish Nehra bagged his third Man of the Match award with a three-wicket haul against RCB. Moreover, Nehra’s 22 wickets at an average of 18.54 is his best-ever performance in an IPL season and while Ashwin is among the most economical bowler this IPL, all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is the front-runner to claim the Purple Cap with 24 wickets so far.
R ASHWIN IS A BEST SPINNER BECAUSE HE TURNS MORE THAN OTHER SPINNERS , CONCEDE THE RUNS LOWER THAN OTHER AND TAKE WICKETS AT IMPORTANT TIME
— Janarthani (@Janarthani2) May 23, 2015
Mumbai’s attack is led by speedster Lasith Malinga, who is arguably their best bowler in the tournament so far with 22 wickets at an average of 19 and economy rate of 7.48. Harbhajan Singh, who made a comeback to India’s Test side, is not as economical as Ashwin but has made up for the numbers with 16 wickets. Another player who has been an integral part of Mumbai’s success this season is Kiwi pacer Mitchell McClenaghan with 15 wickets.
And congrats to the FIVE #CPL15 stars who will play in Sunday’s @IPL final: Pollard, Smith, Malinga, Bravo & Simmons! pic.twitter.com/hHJvFssPVx
— CPL T20 (@CPL) May 23, 2015
MUMBAI ON TOP
CSK’s strength has revolved around their batting line up as they made it to the top of the league with ease but that has now suddenly turned into their biggest weakness. Mumbai were out of the tournament at the start but fought courageously to finish in the top two and make it to the finals at the cost of CSK.
Comeon Mumbai!!! We r all counting on u guys!!! God is with us…. Rohit today’s win will rise you on the top for your captaincy
— PPP (@ppp3008) May 24, 2015
Statistically, there is little to choose between these two giants of the league and on the whole it promises to be an intriguing game to watch. Mumbai have the momentum and will be fearless in their approach but CSK are experienced and better equipped to handle pressure.
