IPL 2019: Can Mumbai Indians stop the mighty CSK juggernaut?

Led by ‘Thalaiva’ MS Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings are on a roll in IPL 2019. They have already won three matches out of the three they have played so far, and are sitting pretty on top of the IPL points table.

The Chennai-based franchise has been synonymous with the IPL because of its astounding success in the tournament. CSK have been in the final a record seven times out of the nine seasons they have played. They are three-time champions, which is joint-highest with Mumbai Indians.

CSK are also the only team in the history of IPL to defend their title successfully; they achieved that in 2011.

The Super Kings made their comeback to the IPL in style after serving a two-year ban, by winning the title last year. This year again they are looking strong enough to repeat the feat they achieved in 2011, of successfully defending their title.

The biggest reason behind CSK’s success over the years has been their stability. Since the inception of the league, they have been led by a single person - Dhoni. Under the leadership of their charismatic captain, CSK have been able to build a team of core players which include Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo.

Dhoni’s ability to get the best out of everyone around him has transformed CSK into a formidable unit.

CSK will play their next match against Mumbai Indians at the iconic Wankhede stadium. As we have seen in the past, if any team can stop CSK, it is Mumbai Indians. CSK vs MI has developed into the biggest rivalry of the IPL over the years, especially considering these are the only two teams to have won the IPL title three times.

Rohit Sharma (Image Courtesy: BBCI/IPLT20.com)

Mumbai Indians have enough firepower in their armory to defeat the mighty CSK. They have an astute captain in Rohit Sharma who is well-versed in leading the team in high-octane clashes.

However, the problem for Mumbai Indians is that they haven’t been able to perform as per their usual standards this year. If they have to emerge victorious against a team like CSK, then they need to click as a unit and punch above their weight.

At Wankhede, Mumbai Indians have the record in their favor; they lead 5-3 against the Super Kings, and would like to improve that further. Mumbai Indians have to improve in all three aspects of their game if they want to emerge victorious on the night.

With a star-studded lineup including Rohit, Quinton de Kock, Yuvraj Singh, Pandya brothers, and Jasprit Bumrah there is no reason why Mumbai Indians can’t defeat CSK.

This game could set the course of the rest of the season for Mumbai Indians. On the night, they have to make the most of the slightest of CSK’s errors. But if there is any team which can halt CSK’s juggernaut, then it has to be Mumbai Indians.