Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians are a part of the biggest rivalry in the Indian Premier League. It has been born out of the dominance of both teams in the tournament. That being said. There are many who played for both teams in their IPL careers. Let’s take a look at the best playing XI consisting of such players.
Best XI Openers:
Michael Hussey (2018-13 for CSK and MI in 2014) and Dwayne Smith (2014-15 for CSK and MI 2008 and 2012-13)
Michael Hussey is one of the greatest opening batsmen of all time. He has also had a great record in the IPL. Hussey has scored 1762 runs from 51 innings as an opener. Hussey regularly opened for CSK when he was a part of their team, and produced excellent results. He would captain the team, as his calm demeanour and principled approach would ensure great results for the team.
The addition of someone like Dwayne Smith alongside Hussey would provide a dynamite combination to the team. Smith has scored 1911 runs as an opener and has hit 16 half-centuries at this position. Smith always delivered for MI when he opened for the franchise in 2012-13.
Best XI Middle Order:
Ambati Rayudu (MI: 2010-17, CSK: 2018-present), Robin Uthappa (wk) (MI:2008, CSK: 2021) , Thisara Perera (MI: 2012, CSK: 2010), Dwayne Bravo (MI: 2008-10, CSK: 2011-15, 2018-present)
Robin Uthappa performs best when he plays in the top 3. He can also steady the ship in case of an early wicket. Robin scores at a strike rate of 1425 at this position and has 9 half-centuries to his name. He would thus be a great candidate near the top of the order.
Ambati Rayudu was one of the most surprising releases in 2018 because he had been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians for a very long time. CSK, however, grabbed him up without hesitation. The talented batsman would be a great asset at number 4. Rayudu has played a majority of his career at number 3 or 4 and has produced great results.
Thisara Perera is equally skilled with the bat as well as the ball. The Sri Lankan veteran plays an explosive brand of cricket and would be a great fit for the team. His inclusion adds depth to the batting lineup, and thus gives more options to the captain.
Dwayne Bravo is one of the best all-rounders in T20 cricket. The entertaining player has become an integral part of the CSK core setup. He would be an excellent pick for the number 6 spot because he has the ability to hit the big shots under pressure.
Best XI Bowlers:
Tim Southee (CSK: 2011, MI: 2016-17), Harbhajan Singh (MI: 2008-17, CSK: 2018-19), Ashish Nehra (MI: 2008, CSK: 2014-15), Piyush Chawla (MI: 2021, CSK: 2020), Jacob Oram (CSK: 2008-09, MI: 2013)
Tim Southee, Jacob Oram, and Ashish Nehra will be excellent additions to the pace department. In addition to these three bowlers, we have players like Thisara Perera, Dwayne Smith, and Dwayne Bravo who can bowl medium to fast-paced balls competently.
In the spin department, Indian veterans Piyush Chawla and Harbhajan Singh could form a deadly duo. Singh was a Mumbai regular till his release in 2018, while Chawla was signed to MI in the 2021 season of the IPL. These two could wreak havoc on the opposition team in tandem.
With competent pure bowlers and talented all-rounders, this squad’s bowling department would never be lacking in options, which would be greatly beneficial for the captain.
