Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians are two of the most successful teams in the Indian Premier League. The two franchises have won nine titles between themselves. The two teams have also played some close matches in the league since the year 2008, which is why their rivalry is considered the El Clasico of the IPL. CSK and MI met for the first time on April 23, 2008.
In that match hosted by the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Super Kings batted first and scored 208/5 in their 20 overs. Chasing 209 runs for a victory, the Mumbai Indians scored 202/7 and lost the game by six runs. Ahead of the match between Chennai and Mumbai tonight, here’s a look at the CSK’s playing XI from their first ever game against Mumbai and where the 11 players are now.
Openers of CSK against MI – Parthiv Patel and Matthew Hayden
The left-handed pair of Parthiv Patel and Matthew Hayden opened the batting for Chennai in that game. Hayden played a magnificent inning of 81 runs and won Man of the Match award. Patel and Hayden have now retired, with both of them working as cricket experts.
Middle Order – Michael Hussey, Suresh Raina, S Badrinath and MS Dhoni (c and wk)
The elite trio of Michael Hussey, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni batted in the middle-order. Hussey scored five runs, while Raina scored 53 and Dhoni scored 30. Badrinath scored two and now works as a cricket expert. Hussey is the batting coach of CSK, Raina is a commentator, and Dhoni is still the captain of the team.
All Rounders – Jacob Oram and Joginder Sharma
Pace-bowling all-rounders Jacob Oram and Joginder Sharma also featured in CSK’s lineup. Oram scored five runs and returned with figures of 0/53. He has retired now, while Sharma bowled a spell of 2/29. Even Sharma has retired and plays in Legends League now.
Bowlers of CSK against MI – Palani Amarnath, Manpreet Gony and Muttiah Muralitharan
Medium pacers Palani Amarnath and Manpreet Gony took one wicket each. M Muralitharan was the only spinner in the playing XI, and he bagged two wickets. All three players have retired from cricket now.
