IPL 2019, qualifier 1: Rohit’s MI have better record, Chennai Super Kings have MS Dhoni - Who is the favourite in ‘Battle Royale’

Mumbai Indians are already 2-0 up this season and the last time Dhoni’s men got one over Mumbai at the Chepauk came back in 2010.

Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings - the two best teams of the league phase, these are also the two most consistent side in the Indian Premier League and when they clash, it is also dubbed as IPL’s own ‘El Classico’.

Rohit Sharma’s side has an impressive record, but MS Dhoni knows how to win (Twitter)

For Chennai Super Kings, a spot in the playoffs is like their morning cup of tea, and they would be overwhelming favourites to topple any opposition and stroll into the finals. Well, Mumbai Indians are not any other opponent. Out of all the sides in the IPL, Mumbai have got the better of Chennai more often than not.

What do the numbers say?

Mumbai Indians hold a 15-11 head-to-head record against Chennai Super Kings over the years, but when these two sides clash in the playoffs, Dhoni’s brigade seem to galvanise better. CSK have won four to Mumbai’s three in the seven times these two sides have met in a playoff. And there is a trend - only one of those seven games have been won by the team chasing.

This is certainly an interesting aspect to consider since the track at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is a sluggish one, and hence, batting second could be a tricky prospect, especially if there is no dew in the second innings.

Mumbai Indians are already 2-0 up this season and the last time Dhoni’s men got one over Mumbai at the Chepauk came back in 2010.

There are stats, figures, permutations, combinations, trends, and there is MS Dhoni. The man has shown that he does not quite care about past history and relies purely on his instincts. Hence, despite enjoying an advantage as far as the numbers are concerned, there is no way Mumbai Indians can consider themselves as favourites.

It certainly is a Battle Royale in the offing!