IPL 2018: MI vs CSK, 1st IPL 2018 Cricket Match Preview & Prediction

IPL fans are anticipating the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings match on April 7, 2018. It will be the first match of the tournament and the defending champions, Mumbai Indians, will be playing on their home ground at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Match Review

The Chennai Super Kings are making a comeback after serving a two-year suspension. So, the side has had enough time to plan its strategy to take on Mumbai Indians. Rohit Sharma will try to lead the side to a win against its arch rivals, but M.S. Dhoni is not one of the best captains for no reason. His cool demeanor and experience will come to good stead, and this gives Chennai Super Kings an edge over Mumbai Indians.

The Mumbai team has the likes of JP Duminy, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard, Evin Lewis, Mustafizur Rahman and Pat Cummins. However, Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Faf du Plessis, Shane Watson, Imran Tahir, Harbhajan Singh and Ambati Rayudu may end up breaking the hearts of Mumbai Indian fans.

Match Prediction

The Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians match is going to be a cliffhanger, with both teams vying to win the first game of the tournament. However, taking into consideration the team makeup, it can be said that Chennai Super Kings will actually come up on the top. Here are some reasons:

• M.S. Dhoni is the big game changer

• Faf du Plessis is not a factor that you have to consider

• Chennai Super Kings have depth in their batting line up

• The bowling line up is also fearsome with Dwayne Bravo, Shane Watson, Harbhajan Singh and Imran Tahir

• CSK also has all-rounders who can score and take wickets

Taking into consideration the advantages that Chennai Super Kings have, chances are high that they will defeat Mumbai Indians in the opening of the 2018 VIVO IPL.