Preview : M43 - CSK vs MI

After a nightmarish start to Pepsi IPL 2015 where they lost their first four matches, Mumbai Indians have bounced back remarkably, winning their last four games on the bounce.High on moral and confidence, now they have entered the den of the Chennai Super Kings who have won all their home games so far in the tournament. On the eve of the big match, MI batsman Parthiv Patel oozed confidence as he spoke glowingly about MI’s “settled batting and bowling units”.

“They have had a good run at home but this is a fresh game and a new start,” Patel said of CSK’s home success. “Just because they have won all their games here it doesn’t guarantee them a win tomorrow. For us, preparing well is important and that is what we have been doing.

”Patel started off the tournament by opening the batting Aaron Finch. But after the Australian flew back home with a hamstring injury, Patel has formed an opening pair with Lendl Simmons. Although Patel himself has a solitary fifty against his name, he believes that he and Simmons give steadiness to MI’s batting.

“It is pretty important that you get a good run into the game. It gives you a lot of confidence and an opportunity to play your game. We have had a few good starts and a big one against KXIP.

Having a settled batting order gives the batsmen the liberty to play their own game.”About his own batting, Patel sounded upbeat. “You have to change your game.

I started out as a very square of the wicket batsman but with change in formats you have to change your game and evolve as a player. I am working hard on my game and I am glad that I am getting good results at the domestic level and here.”When asked the reason why despite being one of MI’s consistent run-getters Ambati Rayudu bats low down the order, Patel said he is more confident finishing games off.

“Whenever he has done well for MI he has finished games well and that is one area he is really working hard on,” Patel said of Rayudu. “He has performed that role well in the last few years and this season he has done it twice. So, he is very confident in that role.

“Every player is performing his role well and that is why we have won five games now. So, personally I don’t think there is any need to change the batting order.”.

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