Mumbai Indians or Chennai Super Kings? Sanjay Manjrekar picks best IPL team

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Mumbai Indians (MI) is a better Indian Premier League (IPL) team than their rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He pointed out that the Mumbai-based team have always defeated the MS Dhoni-led side in playoffs and they are the big team.

One of the most talked about debates in the IPL is who is the best team in the league between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Both teams have been the powerhouse in the league as they have dominated the tournament.

Both MI and CSK have won IPL titles 5 times each and are the most successful teams in the tournament. However, when it comes to the one-on-one match-up between the teams, Mumbai Indians have an upper edge and have defeated the Yellow Army every time in the final.

The fans of MI and CSK have engaged in various banters and often fight over the best team. There’s a reason why the match between the two teams is termed as El Classico of the league. The reason behind that is the kind of matches that have had in the past.

Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted the matchup between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings while touting Mumbai as the better team. He pointed out the Ambani-owned franchise’s 50% record over other teams. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained:

“One thing you have to say is Mumbai Indians are not just a champion team on the big stage. When it comes to CSK versus Mumbai Indians, you see the playoffs and finals as well, Mumbai Indians have beaten CSK. 

“But overall, in the IPL when you look at all teams, nine teams, which team has the best record against all teams? Mumbai Indians. Over 50% win percentage. CSK is good, but they haven’t beaten all other teams as thoroughly as Mumbai Indians have.”

Sanjay Manjrekar further added that Mumbai Indians franchise is like a Royal city like Mumbai, which is full of superstars. He explained:

“When you talk about IPL greats, who do you think of? Rohit Sharma, Pollard, you think of Bumrah, Lasith Malinga, Suryakumar Yadav. All of them are part of Mumbai Indians, so when you think of Mumbai Indians you think of superstars. A bit like our city, Mumbai city, which is filled with superstars. That is what Mumbai Indians is. The brand as well.”

Sanjay Manjrekar praises Mumbai Indians for making young players superstars

Sanjay Manjrekar further praised Mumbai Indians’ scouting talent and said that they have made some big players in Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya. He added:

“We have John Wright, who was India’s coach and he took India to the next level post-2000, and he’s our main talent scout. And one of the talents that came through by scouting was Jasprit Bumrah, turned out to be an ‘okay!’ player, Hardik Pandya, another talent scout discovery, and now Suryakumar Yadav, he was in KKR, but Mumbai Indians scouted him and found a way to make better, and now we have Tilak Varma.”

The Indian Premier League (IPL) will begin in March 2023. Chennai Super Kings are defending champions whereas Mumbai Indians have had few lean seasons in the league. They would be hoping to make a comeback in the coming season and stake their claim back in the league.