The first three weeks of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 have been forgettable for the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). With 5 defeats from as many matches, MI are reeling in the last spot in the points table. CSK too have struggled in the season and have only managed 1 win from 5 matches. They kicked off the season with 4 back-to-back defeats.
Both the teams have been hit hard by the lack of experienced bowlers who can deliver the results consistently. CSK have an all-new Indian pace attack and Deepak Chahar’s absence has hit them hard. The right-arm pacer used to get early wickets for CSK consistently.
Given their present form, there could be a case when these two teams could find it difficult to make it to the playoffs. Amid this, former India opener Virender Sehwag has shared his views on MI and CSK, and opined that these two teams “look good” at the bottom spot.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, the former Delhi Capitals’ captain said: “I said it before itself, let the rich teams stay at the bottom, Chennai and Mumbai, they look good at the bottom of the table. It is difficult to win after two such run outs. I don’t think that Suryakumar Yadav knew that the final over will be bowled by either Odean Smith or Liam Livingstone. Had he known that, as much as 25 runs could have been kept in the bank for the final over.”
With 5 IPL title wins, MI are the most successful team in the T20 league. They haven’t been that consistent when it comes to clearing the league stage but have held the IPL title more than any other team.
As for CSK, they are 4-time IPL Champions and are the most consistent side in the league’s history. Under MS Dhoni, CSK cleared the league stage in 11 out of 12 seasons between 2008 to 2021. Dhoni handed over CSK’s captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja before the start of IPL 2022.
Going ahead, both the teams have their task cut out and it will be an arduous task for them to qualify for playoffs.
