Potential Playing XI for Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2020 First Match

As the cricket season approaches, fans and fans are eagerly anticipating the first matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Let's look ahead and predict the potential starting line-ups for the opening fixtures involving the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

Mumbai Indians Playing XI for the First Match

Mumbai Indians (Mumbai Indians) have assembled a balanced squad, with a mix of talented domestic and overseas players. The well-rounded team comprises of five proper batsmen, two excellent all-rounders, three top fast bowlers, and a reliable left-arm spinner. Below is a potential playing XI for their first match:

Opening Batting

Rohit Sharma (Captain) Quinton de Kock (Wicket-keeper)

This opening combination has been highly successful, having scored 565 runs together in 15 innings last season, averaging 37.66 and maintaining a strike rate of 136.8.

Middle Order

Suryakumar Yadav Ishan Kishan Faf de la Lima Kedar Jadhav MS Dhoni (Wicket-keeper)

Suryakumar and Ishan are expected to bat in the middle order, while Faf de la Lima will play at number three. Kedar Jadhav and MS Dhoni will bat at number four and five, respectively. Dhoni will also be preparing to take the gloves for the first match.

All Rounders

Kieron Pollard Hardik Pandya Krunal Pandya

Mumbai Indians have some of the best finishers in the league. Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, and Krunal Pandya have impressive strike rates of 156.74, 191.42, and 122, respectively, from the last season. Pollard will also be bowling more due to the expected assistance to spinners on the pitches.

Fast Bowling

Jasprit Bumrah Trent Boult Nathan Coulter-Nile

In the absence of Malinga, Boult is expected to open the new ball, targeting wickets in the powerplay. Bumrah will take over in mid-over bowling, while Nathan Coulter-Nile will bowl a few death overs. Bumrah will focus on the death overs, as the pitches are expected to turn.

Spin Bowling

Rahul Chahar

Rahul Chahar is the lone specialist spinner and will be included in the playing XI.

Chennai Super Kings Playing XI for the First Match

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be without key overseas players Sam Curran and Josh Hazlewood for the first match due to their national duties. The adjustment in the playing XI is discussed below:

Opening Batting

Shane Watson Ambati Rayadu

Watson and Rayadu opened together in 10 innings in the 2018 edition, scoring an impressive 417 runs off just 290 balls with an average of 41.7 and a strike rate of 143.79. Rayadu will be returning to this combination.

Middle Order

Faf de la Plessis Kedar Jadhav MS Dhoni (Wicket-keeper)

Faf de la Plessis will bat at number three to anchor the innings, with Kedar Jadhav at four and MS Dhoni at five. Dhoni will also be the wicketkeeper for the first match.

All Rounders

Ravindra Jadeja Dwayne Bravo

Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo will play as finishers, bowling in the middle and death overs, respectively. Bravo is a world-class death bowler, and Jadeja will be important due to expected spin assistance on the pitches. Jadeja will also have more bowling duties as per team strategy.

Spin Bowling

Piyush Chawla Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir, the purple cap winner from the last season, will lead the spin department. Tahir and Piyush Chawla will form the spin attack. Both players will have crucial roles in the match.

Fast Bowling

Deepak Chahar Shardul Thakur

Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur are expected to bowl with the new ball and take some wickets in the powerplay. Chahar particularly is a star performer, who took 15 wickets out of 29 for CSK in the last edition. His recent recovery from corona has been a welcome development for the team.