Apart from Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s comeback, there will be few other things that will be in focus in the first IPL 2020 match. Chennai Super Kings will take on Mumbai Indians in the first fixture of IPL 2020 on September 19, 2020.
1.) Rohit Sharma as an opener again?
Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma is expected to come back to his favorite opening slot in this IPL. For years Sharma has played in the middle-order for Mumbai Indians, mostly at No. 4. But after the excellent World Cup journey as an opener, Sharma should try to do the same for his IPL team as well. He scored five centuries in the last World Cup as an opener and also proved his mettle as the specialist in the longest format too. Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma should open the game for Mumbai.
2.) Jasprit Bumrah to lead MI bowling
Lasith Malinga’s absence needs to be filled in by Mumbai Indians pacers at the earnest. Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead the bowling attack for Mumbai Indians on Saturday in UAE along with New Zealand’s Trent Boult as his new-ball partner. But once against experience is the key here that Malinga used to bring in. MI has to be careful with choosing the third fast bowler. The call will be between Mitchell McClenaghan and Nathan Coulter-Nile.
3.) Raina to be missed
Suresh Raina’s absence is going to be massive for his IPL team. Chinna Thala has been an integral part of CSK’s core. Not just as a player but as a senior team member, Raina has been next to Dhoni in the CSK team set-up. Raina did not just contribute with the bat but as a fielder, he was a safe bet. For CSK, initially, things will be a bit tougher without Raina. They have to adapt to the new set-up. Moreover, they have to decide their No.3 batsman in place or IPL’s second-highest run-scorer Suresh Raina.
4.) Dhoni’s comeback
Mahendra Singh Dhoni will hit the ground after months of absence from the cricket field. He was last seen playing in the semi-final against New Zealand in the 50-over World Cup 2019. Meanwhile, Dhoni retired from international cricket which clearly means the IPL is going to be his biggest platform from now on to amaze the fans. Dhoni will once again lead Chennai Super Kings in the 13th edition of IPL. With 871 runs at an average of 79.18 in the last two seasons, Dhoni will be eying for a third consecutive good run with CSK. As a captain also he will have the responsibility for making it a grand success yet again.
5.) CSK spin unit
MS Dhoni has been famous for relying on spinners heavily. With the likes of Mitchell Santner, Piyush Chawla, Ravindra Jadeja, Imran Tahir, and Karn Sharma in the squad even this time Dhoni is expected to do wonder using his spinners. Moreover, the surface of CSK home ground is a lot similar to Abu Dhabi/Dubai. Overall, the CSK spinners should have a good run.
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