IPL 2019 Final (Part - 4) : MI , CSK in battle to become most successful IPL Team : An Exclusive Cricket Article Series - By Urban Dsouza(High profile eminent writer about cricket)

Chennai Super Kings will face Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2019 final on 12th Sunday, as both the teams look to become the first team in history win four IPL titles.

The contest between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2019 has been dubbed as the “El Clasico”. The two teams share an intense rivalry between themselves, having already been established as the two best teams in the tournament.
Both CSK and MI have won three IPL titles each in eleven seasons. But on Sunday, the story will change – one of these two teams will establish themselves as the better one, after claiming record 4th title.

Going into the final, Mumbai can take confidence from the fact that they have maintained a 100 per cent record against Chennai this season. The two teams have already faced each other thrice this season, including the qualifier. But in none of the games, CSK were able to Despite CSK possessing a strong spin bowling unit comprising of Imran Tahir,Harbhajan Singh  and Ravindra Jadeja,Rohith Sharma and Co. have dealt with the threat smartly.

The first time the two teams met, Mumbai posted 170 on the board, while CSK could only muster 133/8 in 20 overs in reply. In the reverse fixture, Lasith Malinga and Krunal Pandya combined together to bowl out CSK for 109 in the 156-run chase. In the 2nd qualifier, Suryakyumar Yadav posted an unbeaten 71 to take his side to win after a poor start in the 132-run chase. The defending champions would hope that their unit can come off better this time against arch-rivals and win the one encounter that matters.

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS

Strength: CSK have quite simply been there, done that. The current IPL champions have entered the playoffs in each of the nine editions they have taken part in and know what it takes to go all the way. They have not done much tinkering with their squad and will once again back their experienced players. Much of the credit for that should go to MS Dhoni, whose calmness percolates through to the entire team.
Weakness: With South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi ruled out of the tournament, CSK's pace bowling resources wear a thin look. Last season, he was the standout pacer for the side with 11 wickets in 7 matches at an economy rate of just 6 runs per over.

X-Factor: In Mitchell Santner, CSK have almost a completely new player who can add a different dimension to the side. His left-arm spin will add potency to the attack and he is also a useful lower-order batsman.
MUMBAI INDIANS
Strength: Mumbai opted to retain the core of their squad prior to the auctions and will be banking on the chemistry between the likes of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and the other experienced MI members.

Weakness: They trust their existing bowling resources completely but that may backfire. MI have invested in another fast bowler, Barinder Sran, and young bowling all-rounder Pankaj Jaiswal, but they may struggle if the regular bowlers hit a rough patch. Also, MI have traditionally been slow starters and need to improve on this count.

X-Factor: MI have been known to promote rookies who have gone on to make a name for themselves and this year too, they have a couple of players like Jaiswal and 17-year-old pacer Rasikh Salam from Kashmir, who given the chance, could shine on the big stage.

MUMBAI INDIANS

Strength: Mumbai opted to retain the core of their squad prior to the auctions and will be banking on the chemistry between the likes of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and the other experienced MI members.

Weakness: They trust their existing bowling resources completely but that may backfire. MI have invested in another fast bowler, Barinder Sran, and young bowling all-rounder Pankaj Jaiswal, but they may struggle if the regular bowlers hit a rough patch. Also, MI have traditionally been slow starters and need to improve on this count.

X-Factor: MI have been known to promote rookies who have gone on to make a name for themselves and this year too, they have a couple of players like Jaiswal and 17-year-old pacer Rasikh Salam from Kashmir, who given the chance, could shine on the big stage.