IPL 2019, Match 15, MI vs CSK: 3 Predicted changes for the big game

Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are two of the most successful franchises in the history of the Indian Premier League. Both the franchises have got off to contrasting starts to the season. While the defending champions CSK have emerged as early favorites by winning three in a row, MI have won only one of their first three matches this season.

Rohit Sharma's men would have to play out of their skins to beat CSK who have looked unbeatable in this campaign. If they fail to beat CSK, MI would find it very difficult to qualify for the playoffs. On the other hand, a win against MI can almost guarantee a playoff spot for the defending champions.

It would be an interesting encounter as both teams have a lot of quality players. While MI must be thinking about some changes, CSK can also think about some tweaks here and there.

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#1 Kieron Pollard out - Ben Cutting in

Kieron Pollard - Source: BCCI/IPLT20.com

Kieron Pollard has been fantastic for Mumbai Indians over the years. The West Indian all-rounder has played a huge part in the success of Mumbai Indians over the years. Sadly, the game waits for no one as Pollard and his body seems to be left behind.

The MI legend doesn't seem to be a player he once used to be in his younger days. He has failed to make an impact on any match, and MI might look to replace him with another all-rounder. That all-rounder can be Ben Cutting of Australia who was very good for the franchise in the last season.

The Australian all-rounder had a good campaign in the Big Bash League and has the ability to make the difference with both and ball. If Cutting can prove his worth in the IPL, he can provide the cutting edge Mumbai Indians is missing this year.

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#2 Mitchell Santner out - Faf Du Plessis In

Mitchell Santner

Mitchell Santner is a great utility player as he can make contributions with both bat and ball. The Kiwi all-rounder has one well for his country in all forms of cricket but he was poor against RR. Even though the batsmen were under pressure after losing early wickets, he failed to control the run flow.

The left-arm spinner even failed to complete his quota which raises concerns over his place in the team. It is not easy for overseas professionals to maintain their place in the team as a team is allowed to play only four foreigners.

CSK team management might decide to pick experienced Faf du Plessis instead of the all-rounder. The CSK batting line up was put under pressure against RR when they lost early wickets. MI has a good bowling line up and this is where experience and technique of Du Plessis can make the difference.

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#3 Mitchell McClenaghan out - Jason Behrendorff in

Mitchell McClenaghan - Source: BCCI/IPLT20.com

Mitchell McClenaghan has done well for MI in the last few years. The left-arm pacer provides variety to the bowling attack of the MI. His ability to hit the deck hard has troubled the batsmen over the years but he has failed to make an impact in this campaign.

It is not easy to face left-arm pacers so MI might opt to replace him with another left-arm pacer in the form of Jason Behrendorff. The 28-year-old is yet to make his IPL debut but he has done well in the Big Bash League.

His ability to swing the new ball and pick wickets in the powerplay can allow MI to hold back Jasprit Bumrah for death overs. He caught the attention of Indian fans when he picked a four-wicket haul against India in T20I in 2017. If he manages to pick early wickets it would also reduce the pressure on the MI spinners.

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