In what is known as the El Clasico of the IPL, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians (MI) will clash on Saturday evening at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
A packed capacity crowd at the Wankhede is expected, not only because of this fierce rivalry between the two franchises, but also because this could well be the last time MS Dhoni plays at the Wankhede, a stadium which he sent into raptures with that iconic six on that April 2 heady night 12 years ago.
Talking about the current season, CSK have won one match (vs LSG) and lost one (vs GT) while MI have lost their only match (vs RCB).
About the Impact of Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni used Tushar Deshpande as Chennai Super Kings Impact Player Rule in both their matches as they bowled second on both occasions. Desphande has been expensive in both the matches, leaking runs at an economy of 13.09 runs per over, but picked up the crucial wicket of Nicholas Pooran in the last game.
This was when Chennai Super Kings bowled second in both matches.
Who could be CSK’s Impact Player if they bowl first?
Ambati Rayudu
If Chennai Super Kings bowl first, they could just reverse the Impact substitutions they made in the last two games: Rayudu was substituted by Tushar Deshpande, so if Kings bowl first, Deshpande would be in their starting XI and Rayudu on the bench and subsequently Rayudu would come in as Impact Player Substitute when Chennai based franchise come out to bat.
In two innings, Rayudu has scored 39 runs at a healthy strike rate of 150. He’s been attacking in the middle-overs.
Ajinkya Rahane
While Rayudu has shown aggression with the bat, he’s failed to play a longer innings. If Super Kings do need a batter to anchor from one side or stop a collapse – the top-order might find it a bit difficult to manage Archer and Behrendorff on a spicy Wankhede pitch that would have some grass on it to assist new ball pacers – then they have Rahane at their disposal.
Rahane could be used as Impact Player by Chennai Super Kings against MI
Rahane brings with him loads of experience – of international cricket, of the IPL, and also of having played all his life domestic cricket for Mumbai.
