CSK Suffers Major Setback Before IPL ‘El Clasico’ vs MI, Coach Hints Star Bowler Unlikely to Play

MI and CSK will face off in a high-stakes IPL match at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. CSK is currently in the third spot, with six points from three wins and two losses. They secured a win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their last game. On the other hand, MI has won two games after three losses and is currently in the seventh spot.

They emerged victorious against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their previous game. In their 36 encounters, CSK has won 16 games, while MI has won 20. Stephen, speaking at the pre-match press conference, provided an update on Pathirana, who missed games against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He expressed hope that Pathirana would be fully fit for the game, emphasizing his importance.

Additionally, Fleming praised Gaikwad, addressing concerns about his strike rate and expressing confidence in his abilities. Gaikwad has scored 155 runs in IPL 2024 at an average of 38.75 and a strike rate of 117.42 in five matches. Fleming also discussed the evolution of batting in the IPL, highlighting the need for measures to balance the game and support bowlers. He mentioned the potential for rule changes to address this.

He emphasized his team’s anticipation for the fixture, acknowledging the competitive rivalry that has developed over the years due to the success of both teams. Fleming emphasized the significance of the match but also emphasized the importance of keeping emotions in check and approaching the game with simplicity. He concluded by expressing excitement for the highly-anticipated fixture and acknowledging the competitive nature of modern IPL matches.