What they got for Sunday's summit showdown at the Eden Gardens here is the team they brushed aside in Delhi on Tuesday to storm into their fifth final in six seasons but, then, it's unlikely to be the cakewalk that past and recent records suggest.
While the extra rest towards the end of a gruelling 54-day tournament and its travelling will have worked to CSK's advantage, Mumbai Indians have reasons to believe they have taken a crucial few steps in the right direction since that 48-run loss in Qualifier 1 at the Kotla. The four-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals on Friday, despite its hiccups, will have suitably boosted belief in their abilities — not least because it came while chasing down a total, a task they failed a few times this year through a lack of application.
Sunday's final will be played on the wicket that was used for Friday's Qualifier 2 and Mumbai will be better off having spent time on it. While it's more 'true' and very different from Eden's slow and low turners, it still will be a track that needs some getting used to. The Super Kings, who saw their CEO arrested by Mumbai Police for his links with bookies, will also have to overcome distractions from such off-field incidents.
Both teams have quality spinners, and that could be more than useful on a track which lends itself nicely to their craft, but the contest may well boil down to a battle between the two batting units — and that is an area where CSK's strength lies. Chennai don't just bat deep, they are blessed with some of the most devastating batsmen in the tournament. In skipper Dhoni, Mike Hussey, Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo and even Ravindra Jadeja, they have men who can win it all on their own. Mumbai will have to match it with responses from the in-form Dwayne Smith, the classy Rohit Sharma and the bludgeoning blade of Kieron Pollard.
If the others can chip in with useful cameos, the obvious difference in batting depth can be bridged. Mumbai also know that over 20 overs, all it takes is a few good men to get it right. Sachin Tendulkar, who sprained the left wrist 12 days ago, hasn't recovered to match-fitness by the look of it.
Mumbai will at least be relieved that his replacement, young Aditya Tare, has brought form with him. With form men at the top of the order, early wickets could be crucial, and both teams ooze quality in their seam-up attacks to make the dents.
Mumbai Indians
Captain: Rohit Sharma; Coach: John Wright
X-Factor: Ambati Rayudu
This has been a quite tournament for Ambati Rayudu, who, with 228 runs in 18 games, hasn't batted as well as he would have liked. This talented batsman would like to prove a point by shining on a big stage like this. At No. 6, his role is crucial.
WEAKNESS
MI's biggest problem is that their spearhead, Lasith Malinga, has been in poor form. The Sri Lankan slinger almost lost the second qualifier for his team with an atrocious spell against RR.
RECENT FORM
They seemed to have lost their mojo for a while, but are back on track now. They still need to raise their game when in a crunch.
KEY PLAYERS
Opener Dwayne Smith has been in superb touch. Kieron Pollard can change the course of a game with his massive hits. In bowling, Mitchell Johnson and Harbhajan Singh have been in sizzling form.
Chennai Super Kings
Captain: MS Dhoni; Coach: Stephen Fleming
X-Factor: Chris Morris
With 14 wickets under his belt in 15 matches, Chris Morris has been a reasonable buy for the Chennai Super Kings. The seamer bowls a decent line, and doesn't buckle under pressure. CSK will depend on the tall pacer to keep MI's big-hitting batsmen quiet.
WEAKNESS
On the field, there is nothing that CSK are doing wrong, but it is the off-the-field controversies that may take the focus of the players away. The team management's biggest challenge will be to make the players think only about the final.
RECENT FORM
They have been in fabulous form, bulldozing every opposition along the way. There have been a few hiccups, but by and large, CSK are playing as well as they ever have. The batting has hit top gear, while the bowling has looked good too.
KEY PLAYERS
The biggest positive for CSK this season has been the form of opener Michael Hussey and the bowling of Dwayne Bravo. The veteran Aussie has smashed six fifties, while Bravo has taken 28 wickets. Of course, in a big game, you can count on Dhoni to come to the party.
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