IPL 2025: MI's Power-Hitters Give Them Advantage Over CSK, Says Suresh Raina
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Synopsis
Suresh Raina believes Mumbai Indians have an advantage over Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 due to their strong power-hitters. As they prepare for their rematch at Wankhede Stadium, both teams need to secure victories to improve their standings.
Key Takeaways
- MI has a strong lineup of power-hitters.
- CSK's bowling attack is crucial for their success.
- Winning the toss at Wankhede is vital for both teams.
- CSK must reduce dot balls to increase scoring potential.
- This match is critical for both teams' standings.
New Delhi, April 19 (NationPress) Former India cricketer and four-time IPL champion Suresh Raina asserts that Mumbai Indians (MI), armed with their powerful hitters, possess a distinct advantage over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they gear up for their upcoming face-off in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, scheduled to take place at the Wankhede Stadium this Sunday evening.
CSK had triumphed over MI by four wickets in their initial encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 23. However, since then, both teams, each with five IPL titles, have found themselves in the lower half of the standings – MI sitting at the seventh position and CSK languishing at the bottom.
“MI appears exceptionally strong. They secured a remarkable victory in Delhi. Against CSK's top order, Trent Boult will play a crucial role with his precise line and effective yorkers. Tilak Varma is in phenomenal form. I believe MI has the edge over CSK due to their plethora of power hitters. Karn Sharma is also performing well and has experience with CSK,” Raina commented.
“This match is critical for both sides as their upcoming victories will be vital for improving their standings. For CSK, this is especially significant, considering MI is coming off a winning streak. A victory for CSK would certainly spice up the league stage,” Raina, a JioStar expert, told IANS during a virtual session before the tournament's upcoming week, labeled as “Revenge Week.”
Raina also emphasized that CSK's bowling lineup, led by Noor Ahmad (12 wickets), Khaleel Ahmed (11 wickets), and Matheesha Pathirana, could be pivotal in their success against MI. “Key players for CSK could be Matheesha Pathirana and Khaleel Ahmed,” he noted.
“Don't overlook Noor Ahmad's bowling, as players like Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Rohit Sharma often utilize sweep shots. His variations in the middle overs, including his wrong 'un and sliders, could be tricky for them,” he added.
Historically, at Wankhede Stadium, the Mumbai Indians have claimed victory against CSK seven times while suffering five defeats.
“I recall that at Wankhede, winning the toss was often crucial. The power-play period of six overs is vital, whether you're defending or setting a total, and it's essential to bat effectively during those overs,” he remarked.
“If a team loses a wicket within the first six overs, regardless of whether the score is 70, 80, or 90, the team that manages pressure better among these two 5-time champions will be decisive. That said, MI currently has the upper hand over CSK,” Raina added.
He also pointed out that CSK's batting lineup has not displayed the necessary aggression and has struggled with dot balls. According to Cricket-21 statistics, CSK has recorded 297 dot balls, slightly fewer than KKR's 301. In terms of boundary metrics, CSK ranks poorly, with figures of 6.6 balls per boundary and a boundary percentage of 51.71.
“The intent seems lacking as we’re losing too many wickets during the power-play, leading to a high number of dot balls. They need to focus on minimizing dot balls and rotating the strike. In the first six overs, it’s crucial to be aggressive during the power play,” he said.
“After the power-play, from overs 7 to 14, it’s important to identify bowlers to target for boundaries while also running hard between wickets. Reducing dot balls is essential, and if CSK aims to overcome MI, they must bring their A-game,” Raina concluded.
Catch Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore at 3:30 PM and Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings at 7:30 PM on Sunday during the thrilling IPL 2025 Revenge Week from April 20-27, live and exclusively on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.
