Almost 16 months ago, Mumbai Indians (MI) had defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by just one run as they went on to lift their fourth Indian Premier League (IPL) title. Thus, it seems rather poetic that on September 19, (Saturday), both teams would enter IPL 2020 knowing that circumstances are pretty different from what they were when they last locked horns with each other.

For MI, they will be missing Lasith Malinga this season, although they have some trustworthy backup options like James Pattinson, Trent Boult, and Nathan Coulter-Nile. On the batting front, they brought on board Chris Lynn – a batsman that has often frustrated but still owns the tag of a fearsome batsman. Additionally, the presence of Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard, Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma, Hardik, and Krunal Pandya will ensure that MI’s core team is intact throughout the duration of IPL 2020.

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On the other hand, CSK would be without the services of Suresh Raina as he left the bio-secure bubble (for personal reasons) days after arriving in the UAE. In that scenario, the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Faf du Plessis, and Kedar Jadhav will be expected to play a crucial role in IPL 2020 for CSK, considering the experience they bring to the table. Yet, it is worth noting that none of the aforementioned trios has played up to the mark in competitive cricket.

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Elsewhere, there is also the small issue of MS Dhoni and Shane Watson has not played competitive cricket for a bit. Though the duo possesses the ability to use their skills to its most while going past tricky obstacles and it can be expected to happen during IPL 2020, one reckons that they could be caught a little cold, especially if they’re not at the top of their games against MI.

Mumbai Indians (MI)

Mumbai Indians have plenty of options to choose from, although coach Mahela Jayawardene has recently given a hint that Chris Lynn might be warming the bench during the initial games of the IPL 2020. As for the rest of the team, it pretty much selects itself, with the only dilemma revolving around the identity of the two overseas fast bowlers that MI would opt for.

Probable Playing XI – Rohit Sharma (C), Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Trent Boult, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings will be having a lot of selection headaches as they have to juggle the team a lot to find an apt replacement for Suresh Raina. With the left-hander not available, they might want to use the experience of Faf du Plessis at the top of the order, meaning that one overseas bowler could miss out.

Probable Playing XI – Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (C), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Mitchell San, Piyush Chawla, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur