NEW DELHI: Star all-rounder
Ravindra Jadeja
on Sunday downplayed the significance of the Mumbai Indians (MI) versus Chennai Super Kings (CSK) rivalry in the Indian Premier League (IPL), dismissing it as overhyped.
The all-rounder's statement suggests a pragmatic approach, indicating that while the clash between the two teams garners attention, it might not carry the same weight for the players.
IPL: POINTS TABLE | ORANGE CAP | PURPLE CAP
CSK currently hold the third spot in the standings, with three wins and two losses, accumulating six points. Meanwhile, MI are gaining momentum with two consecutive wins following three losses, positioning them in seventh place.
Downplaying the intensity of the rivalry, Jadeja emphasised that when facing the Mumbai side, there are not many meetings or discussions; instead, the focus remains solely on cricket when they step onto the field.
"On this ground even the good balls can go the distance. Need to identify batter's strengths and bowl accordingly to avoid conceding boundaries at this venue. Got to stick to my plan against a particular player and set the field accordingly. The defeats we have conceded have been close games, haven't lost them by big margins," Jadeja told official broadcaster ahead of MI-CSK clash in Mumbai.
If you play good cricket, play your shots, chasing any target is possible here. You'll get to see a good contest as Mumbai Indians are a very good team. There are not many meetings or discussions when we play MI, this rivalry is hyped I think. Just need to focus on cricket when we are on the field," Jadeja added.
Despite the rivalry between the two teams, CSK will also look to their recent track record against MI for confidence, having secured four wins in their last five encounters, including a notable seven-wicket victory at the same venue last season.
With both MI and CSK boasting five IPL titles each, a significant leadership transition is underway.
Hardik Pandya
has assumed the captaincy from Rohit Sharma at MI, while
Ruturaj Gaikwad
has succeeded Dhoni at CSK. However, despite these changes, the intense rivalry between the two teams shows no signs of abating.
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