IPL 2020: MI vs CSK Gameplan 1 – CSK openers and the powerplay threat

The first match of the IPL 2020 tournament between the blockbuster teams, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, could all be about match-ups. Here, we take a look at a key game plan that could play a role in the IPL 2020 opener – MI vs CSK Start Safe CSK No team approaches the powerplays the way […]
 
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IPL 2020: MI vs CSK Gameplan 1 – CSK openers and the powerplay threat

The first match of the IPL 2020 tournament between the blockbuster teams, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, could all be about match-ups. Here, we take a look at a key game plan that could play a role in the IPL 2020 opener – MI vs CSK

Start Safe CSK

No team approaches the powerplays the way CSK do. Over the years, CSK have believed in starting steady and keeping wickets in hand for the set batsmen to capitalize on the middle overs and set the platform for the Dhonis and Bravos at the death.

ALSO READ: Deepak Chahar – From a Powerplay Specialist to Dhoni’s go-to bowler at Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Unlike most teams who look to take the advantage of powerplays and clear the infield, CSK don’t mind starting slower than others for lesser dismissals. Their runs rate of 7.26 in powerplays is the lowest among all teams since 2018; no other team scores at below 8 runs per over.

However, CSK’s strategy of steady starts has totally failed against MI in the last couple of seasons. Not only they have scored slower as compared to other oppositions, but also haven’t been able to keep wickets intact.

The Super Kings will need to do better in the powerplay as far as this MI vs CSK clash is considered

CSK batsmen score nearly 2 runs less against MI than they do against all other teams combined. The batting average falls down by 24.48 runs to 19.38 against MI. A major reason why MI have been so successful against the yellow brigade is the breakthroughs they make in the powerplays and put the middle order under pressure right from the start.

How CSK can counter the Powerplay threat?

One man who has tormented CSK the most in powerplays is Lasith Malinga. His absence this season should make the CSK top-order a bit more comfortable. But how have CSK’s opening options performed against the remaining MI pacers?

Also Read: IPL 2020: MI vs CSK Gameplan 2 – Mumbai Indians spinners to stiffle CSK batsmen

Ambati Rayudu clearly has the best numbers among the three and having played for MI for a long time, he will have some sort of advantage too. Shane Watson has found it tough to get going against the MI pacers, but with the numbers he has in the middle overs in the last couple of years, all he needs to do is to survive the powerplays without risking his wicket. Watson in the middle overs since 2018 against all teams has a 180-plus strike rate and a near-50 average.

Ambati Rayudu’s role at the top of the order will be pivotal for Chennai in this MI vs CSK clash

ALSO READ: MI vs CSK Game Plan 3 – Bravo vs Bumrah could work in favour of CSK

In the absence of Raina, Faf can be slotted at 3. Rayudu opening with Watson will give CSK the edge as Rayudu scoring at a decent pace will provide Watson the time to get himself in.

For Mumbai, the strategy is simple; get breakthroughs in the Powerplays and get into the middle order as early as possible. If the openers aren’t staying for long, the run rate doesn’t go high till the death overs.