IPL 2019 | Both CSK and MI have multiple match-winners, says Vivian Richards

IPL 2019 | Both CSK and MI have multiple match-winners, says Vivian Richards

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Vivian Richards has stated that the Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have multiple match-winners in their ranks. The two most successful teams in the history of Indian Premier League have once again found a place in the Indian Premier League finals, which be will played at Hyderabad today.

The Mumbai Indians defeated Chennai Super Kings for the third time this year in the first Qualifier to find a place in the finals of the Indian Premier League. CSK then emerged as the victor over Delhi Capitals in the second Qualifier. Both the teams have three IPL titles to their name and have also topped the points table this year. Vivian Richards has remarked that he is not surprised to find these two teams in the finals.

"Two of the most consistent sides I have ever seen in this competition - CSK and MI - will compete in the final for the IPL trophy. If we were to look at the big picture, this matchup should come as no surprise. Both teams have multiple match winners, players with defined roles to play who play those to perfection,” he wrote, reported TOI.

CSK had registered a six-wicket win in the second Qualifier and chased DC’s 148 with one over remaining. Harbhajan Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar and Dwayne Bravo scalped two wickets each while Imran Tahir scalped one. Rishabh Pant was the only batsman to cross the 30-run mark and the rest were outplayed completely. Richards reckoned the skipper MS Dhoni will have to repeat the same feat in order to stop Mumbai Indians.

“It was certainly unfortunate to see the DC capitulate in the second qualifier, but that is the value of experience for you. MS Dhoni won the toss and used his bowlers very smartly to counter DC's biggest threats. He will have to do the same again on Sunday if he and his team are to stop MI,” he expressed.

Jasprit Bumrah and Krunal Pandya have 17 and 11 wickets respectively in 15 games. Rahul Chahar has 12 wickets in as many matches whereas Lasith Malinga has 15 wickets to his name despite playing just 11 matches. Quinton de Kock has scored 500 runs so far which has made up for Rohit Sharma’s poor run but the biggest difference has been made by the power hitting of Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard.

The younger Pandya sibling, who has also taken 14 wickets, has blasted 386 runs at a strike rate of 193, followed by the big-hitting West Indian who has struck 238 runs in 15 matches despite playing fewer innings. Richards felt that stopping the hitting duo will be CSK’s biggest challenge.

"MI have bowlers who have been very consistent this season and a middle order that has often made up for any top order troubles. Kieron Pollard has put on some proper power shows and so has Hardik Pandya and they will represent the biggest challenge for the CSK bowlers because batsmen like these can mess up your bowling lengths,” he asserted.

Suryakumar Yadav has played the spinners well and has amassed 409 runs so far. He has got good starts in almost every game and has converted them to a fifty twice. The legendary batsman was all praise for Suryakumar.

“Another player who has caught my eye is Suryakumar Yadav. He has a great technique and goes about his job without any fuss. That kind of a calming influence in the middle can be vital even in the chaos of a T20 game and that is why I think MI have done so well this season," he said.

It is a known fact that both MI and CSK don’t chop and change their playing XI very often. Richards expects a mouthwatering contest between the two.

"They (MI) have been a very composed side. Both these teams are three time IPL champions and both don't usually play around with their winning formulas. I think we are in for a very intriguing final," the 67-year-old signed off.

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