Mumbai Indians (MI) will host Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a blockbuster clash in Match 12 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday. Mumbai suffered a demoralizing loss against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their first game. They posted 171 runs as Tilak Varma played a key role with the bat, but MI’s bowlers had very little success as the RCB chased down the target in 16.2 overs with eight wickets in hand.
The Super Kings started their season with a loss against Gujarat Titans. But they managed to make a strong comeback against the Lucknow Super Giants. Chennai posted 217 runs as Ruturaj Gaikwad continued his fine form with the bat and scored his second half-century of the season. The Super Giants had a great start to the chase but lost their way in the middle and lost the game by 12 runs.
ALSO READ: Match 12 (MI vs CSK) – Playing XI And Fantasy XI Predictions
As far as their rivals MI are concerned, the biggest rivals of IPL have faced each other 34 times with Rohit and the men leading the head-to-head with 20 wins. Their last six encounters saw both teams win thrice each. Another nail-biting encounter can be expected by the fans as it has been over the years.
#3 Tilak Varma vs Ben Stokes
Tilak Varma was MI’s best batter in 2023 and he began the current season in grand style too with a fine knock of 84 runs against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He will be a prized wicket for CSK. On the other hand, Ben Stokes, another left-handed batter, will be required to step up just like Tilak. Stokes has not quite lived up to the expectations this season. Both Tilak and Stokes play the same role for their respective sides and it will be fascinating to watch who has the better game on Saturday night.
#2 Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Jofra Archer
Ruturaj Gaikwad is the leading run-getter so far in IPL 2023. In a couple of games, he has amassed 149 runs at a strike rate of 183.95. Mumbai Indians will want to see him getting back to the pavilion as soon as possible on Saturday night as Gaikwad can take the match away from the opposition in no time. Jofra Archer who is expected to bowl with the new ball must aim to get rid of Gaikwad and ensure MI does not deal with the wrath of the CSK opener.
#1 MS Dhoni vs Piyush Chawla
MS Dhoni has had his issues while facing the leg spin. In the earlier IPL seasons, KKR skipper, Gautam Gambhir used to bring in a leg-spinner as soon as Dhoni arrived at the crease. That is because Dhoni essentially is a backfoot player and for attacking a leg spinner, one needs to have a strong front-foot game. Piyush will definitely try to get better of Dhoni in this match.
