IPL 4 Preview: Mumbai Indians Vs Chennai Super Kings

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MI are scheduled to host CSK in IPL 4, at Mumbai, on April 22, 2011. This is arguably the biggest match ahead of the semi-finals. The two teams last met in the final of IPL three, last year they had shared the two league games held just before that. When they won their property match comfortably, MI suffered a batting collapse at Chennai, right after Tendulkar retired hurt.

On present form, MI are among the strongest teams of this year's edition, although Chennai are seeking additional self-assured right after being joined by Aussies Hussey and Bollinger.

MI have a solid batting line-up, led by skipper Tendulkar, partnered by Jacobs at the top of the order, and followed by Rayudu, Sharma, Symonds and Pollard. However, there is a psychological dependence on Tendulkar, and CSK could aim to exploit that by dismissing the MI skipper early. MI's bowling has been weakened given that last year by the departure of Zaheer Khan, but on the evidence of the game with Pune Warriors, Munaf Patel is performing his finest to compensate.

Malinga remains the principal strike bowler and is presently the highest wicket taker and purple cap wearer of IPL 4. Harbhajan's lack of form has been worrying, although, and the team has shown an over-reliance on Malinga to get an early breakthrough. The solitay loss against Kochi Knight Riders came when McCullum took on Malinga and won the battle. Ali Murtaza, Symonds, and Rohit Sharma are spinners at Tendulkar's disposal, even though Pollard is another bowler who can fill into a component-time bowling slot.

CSK's batting revolves around 4 Indian batsmen, all of whom are in reasonable form. Vijay, Badrinath, Raina and Dhoni have all been striking the ball well, and Dhoni is arguably the most effective finisher of the tournament, alongside PW's Yuvraj. Mike Hussey has joined Vijay at the best of the order and strengthened the batting.

CSK's key concern has been in the inconsistency in the bowling department. Although Bollinger's arrival need to ease that be concerned somewhat, the Aussie bowler will need some a lot more time in the middle before he gets into a rhythm. On paper, CSK's bowling is a bit stronger with Ashwin and Southee lending support. Randiv and Jakati are additional spin selections, and bring assortment to the attack.

While Dhoni is amore astute captain, Tendulkar has led from the front, scoring runs in every single game, such as a century aginst Kochi, in the method earning the orange cap for the highest scorer of IPL 4.

This need to be a fascinating contest among evenly matched teams, with MI enjoying a slight edge owing to house advantage.