The opening match will be between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. The tournament will be played in the United Arab Emirates from September 19 to November 10.

One of the most successful teams, Mumbai Indians are considered slow starters and their dismal record in UAE is likely to add more woes, however the team this time consist of some big names like Chris Lynn and Nathan Coulter-Nile.

Keeping all of this in mind, Rohit Sharma's MI team is ahead of MS Dhoni's CSK for 7 reasons.

MS Dhoni is India's most successful captain in international cricket. Even in the IPL, it is impossible for Dhoni to break the captaincy record. However, Rohit Sharma leads the way in terms of the title. Dhoni tops the list of captains who have won the most matches in the IPL.

2) In the IPL 2020 auction, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) retained Mahendra Singh Dhoni (39), Suresh Raina (33), Ambati Rayudu (31), Harbhajan Singh (40) and Dwayne Bravo (36). Although Raina and Harbhajan will miss out this year but CSK has some big names in their team.

A total of 30 matches have been played between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Mumbai Indians have won 18 matches while Chennai Super Kings have won 12 matches. Mumbai have 12 wins at home. Mumbai Indians have lost 5-0 in the last five matches.

4) Chennai Super Kings (CSK) do not have the ability to stop Mumbai Indians (MI) finishers in death overs. Mumbai Indians have strong finishers Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard. Against CSK, Mumbai Indians has better record in the death overs.

CSK is not getting any luck this year. Josh Hazlewood and Sam Curran will not be able to play in the first match which is likely to spell for trouble for captain cool. .

CSK has gone through a lot of headaches after landing in UAE. From ace players pulling out of the tournament to players and members of the support staff contracting the virus. Raina and veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh pulled out of the tournament citing ‘personal problems’. Deepak Chahar and Gaikwad along with 13 support staff members tested positive for COVID. Chahar is fit and clear now, only Gaikwad awaits his all clearance which could happen soon.

On the other hand their overseas players Josh Hazelwood and Sam Curran will miss their opening game which further weakens their bowling lineup and much will depend on Dwayne Bravo. However Mumbai will be pinning their hopes on Jasprit Bumrah and Dhawal Kulkarni. Mumbai also have a variety to choose in terms of their overseas pace bowlers.