Image credit: BCCI
This is IPL's most popular rivalry. MI vs CSK. Two strong teams, two mighty powers and a fierce fan base. This contest makes the marketers and the fans, both happy!
MS Dhoni continues to defy logic and win key moments through instincts. CSK's players have had a below par season individually but as a unit they are strong enough to lift the trophy. And the slow Hyderabad wicket makes them the favourites on Sunday night.
On the other hand, Mumbai believes in careful strategies. The think tank headed by Mahela Jayawardhane has plotted every aspect of their game and their team executes it with vigour.
So here it is, the instincts versus the well laid plans as the climax of IPL 2019. The end-game is here finally!
CSK have time again proved that form doesn't matter to them. They trust their players to fire and they do fire at crunch moments. Watson, Faf and Bravo did on Friday and Raina has done in the past.
The bowling has been spectacular. Tahir and Chahar have been outstanding, Jadeja and Bhajji have kept things tight and Bravo is still a threat.
Mumbai has done well so far thanks to Hardik's blitz, Pollard's power and solid batting by de Kock. Runs from Rohit are a rarity this season and Krunal is having a roller-coaster ride.
Rahul Chahar has given Mumbai's bowling the edge which Malinga has brought the much needed wisdom. Bumrah has been effective too.
Also check who made it IPL XI 2019
Imran Tahir needs just two more wickets to become the purple cap holder in IPL season 12. He has routed batting units with his leg-spin bowling in middle overs in this IPL and his economy rate of 6.65 proves that he is impossible to score against. Watch out the Hardik vs Tahir battle.
Rahul Chahar has been a revelation this season in IPL. He averages 24.50 but has taken 12 wickets in 12 games and has leaked only 6.83 runs per over. On the Hyderabad pitch, he can be an asset for Mumbai and he can be the decisive factor between the two teams.