IPL 2018: Match preview of Chennai vs Mumbai

A blockbuster IPL weekend will start with one of the most celebrated rivalries of all times. Dhoni-led Chennai face Rohit-led Mumbai at  Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Saturday.

Defending champions Mumbai have suffered a very poor start in the tournament whereas team Chennai is currently sitting atop points table.

Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Evin Lewis will be central to Mumbai's batting plans and it is expected of them to give a good start but Pandya brothers need to support in the middle with some power hitting.

Mustafizur Rahman and Jaspreet Bumrah of Mumbai are capable enough to damage the batting strength of opponents but Chennai is not going to be easy.

On the other hand, Chennai have gained the required momentum and will be looking forward to beating Mumbai to today.

Recently, Dhoni-led Chennai chased down the mammoth total of 205 runs against Bangalore and Ambati Rayudu and Dhoni played marvelous innings.

Special mention to Ambati Rayudu as he scored 82 runs off 53 ball, his inning included some terrific shots. He is also the orange cap holder with total 283 runs.

Also, the bowling department of team Chennai has been good, they have a good mix of pace and spin. Shardul Thakur, Imran Tahir and Dwayne Bravo have taken wickets whenever it was required.

Although the winning probability is more towards Chennai, but cricket is game of uncertainties anything can happen.

Playing XI:

Chennai: Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Sam Billings, MS Dhoni (C & WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Harbhajan Singh, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Imran Tahir

Mumbai:  Evin Lewis, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (WK), Rohit Sharma (C), Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Mitchell McClenaghan, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah, Mustafizur Rahman