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'It's about the best finisher in the game against the best finisher bowler. Dhoni vs Malinga and Dhoni owns Malinga.'
Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris believes the IPL rivalry between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians pits the game's best finisher Mahendra Singh Dhoni against the best death bowler Lasith Malinga in which the former India captain holds the edge against the veteran Sri Lankan.
Super Kings have made 8 finals in 10 editions they have played in and Mumbai five in 12 editions, having won four out of those summit clashes.
"It's about consistency, CSK have never missed the final series, have won the most knockout matches, it's the expectation and reliance on these IPL teams to produce Indian players and CSK have produced the most uncapped players for India and it's a real desire that they have to continue to develop players in that regard," Styris told Star Sports.
"It's about the best finisher in the game against the best finisher bowler. Dhoni vs Malinga and Dhoni owns Malinga," he said.
Chennai may be the most consistent side in IPL history but in recent years Mumbai Indians have managed to gain an upper hand, believes former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar.
Reigning champions Mumbai Indians have won the IPL four times and Chennai Super Kings thrice.
"...when we look at winning percentage, which is a good way of looking at teams, a good winning record, CSK is right up there, but of late, there's been a surge by Mumbai Indians coming through the ranks, winning titles as well," Manjrekar told Star Sports.
"Mumbai Indians have won 4, CSK has won 3 but they have played less IPL (they were banned for two seasons). When you look at that, Mumbai Indians is emerging as a team that is threatening CSK in the last few years, they have actually been the better team than CSK, couple of IPL titles to MI."
Mumbai had pipped Super Kings in the final of the previous edition last year.
"When MI come to the final, they tend to win it, CSK not as much. When you look at the entire IPL, CSK go first, but of late, may be Mumbai Indians have a slight edge."