MI vs CSK: It's A Big Match For Players And In Terms Of Fan Following - Harbhajan Singh

Ahead of the clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), former Indian cricketer, Harbhajan Singh feels in terms of rivalry, the match is similar to that of India vs Pakistan.

The two most successful franchises in IPL history will be going up against each other on Thursday but the stakes aren’t the same as they used to be. CSK is in 9th place with 1 win in 6 games while MI holds 10th spot with 0 wins in 6 games.

“This match was like India vs Pakistan in terms of rivalry. This was a big match for players and also in terms of fan following. How relevant it (the rivalry) is this season, I am not sure, because there have been a lot of changes in the teams. The franchises that were in the top two are now in the bottom two.”

“You cannot win a tournament with one champion bowler, you can win some games. But, if the bowling is not strong from both ends, winning is difficult.

“Jasprit Bumrah is also feeling the pressure as there is no Lasith Malinga or Trent Boult at the other end. Bumrah is thus trying extra hard and in that process, he is also going for a few,” Harbhajan said on Sportskeeda’s show SK Match Ki Baat.

“I was surprised that MI let Rahul Chahar go” – Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan further asserted that Mumbai should have retained young leg-spinner, Rahul Chahar, as he was developed under Rohit Sharma and could have been a great option for the future.

“I was surprised that MI let Rahul Chahar go. Rohit Sharma had a big role to play in his growth as a bowler. Chahar was always given attacking fields by the captain when he bowled for Mumbai and picked up wickets in the powerplay as well. Murugan Ashwin can bowl leg-spin and the googly, but he doesn’t seem to have the confidence,” Harbhajan further added.

Also Read – MI vs CSK: These Franchises Haven’t Used The Trading Window A Lot – Ajay Jadeja On MI And CSK Placed In Bottom Of IPL 2022 Points Table