It will be yet another classic battle between Chennai and Mumbai, says Viv Richards

Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have shared one of the greatest rivalries in the history of the IPL. Mumbai lead the head-to-head record so far, but they just have a 12-11 advantage over Chennai. After a two-year gap (since CSK were banned), the rivalry resumed when they squared off in the first game of this season. CSK emerged victorious in a thrilling game as the game went down to the wire but CSK managed to get the better of MI by one wicket (in the last over).

However, the upcoming game between the two teams is the battle between table-toppers and the team languishing at the bottom, and Viv Richards sounded confident it would be another mouth-watering clash between the two teams. 

“It will be yet another classic battle when the league leaders Chennai take on Mumbai, who have not been at their best this season. Looking at the depth of both the squads on paper, it’s tough to pick a winner. MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are great captains and they, as everyone knows, can turn the whole complexion of the league around in a few games with their team,” Viv Richards wrote on his column for the Times of India.

The West Indian legend felt that the first game between CSK and MI proved that the team brave enough to take chances would eventually succeed. 

“The eleventh edition of the IPL started with the same teams clashing in Mumbai and it went down to the wire with Chennai managing to sneak past the hosts with a ball to spare. That match was again a reminder to the world that the game of cricket is for the ones who are brave enough to take their chances. Neither Dhoni nor Rohit would have foreseen the current situation their teams are in, especially, the results Mumbai have had. It will be interesting to watch what strategies Mumbai look to adapt to, as they walk into must-win games from here ons, starting with Chennai tonight,” the 66-year-old said. 

The young players have always been a big part of IPL. Every team has been dependent on a few youngsters and hence, they form an important part of every side in the IPL. Hence, Richards was all praise for the MI youngsters Mayank Markande and Suryakumar Yadav to stand up to the grand occasion. 

“Contributions from young blood have been an important aspect in every team’s performance this season and the editions before. Having said that, Mumbai have found an elixir with Mayank Markande, who has been outstanding with the ball just as Suryakumar Yadav has been with the bat, despite results not going the way of their team,” Viv Richards added.