IPL 2026: CSK vs MI, Match 44 - Top player battles to watch out for

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The Mumbai Indians head to the Chepauk to face arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings in yet another face-off of the IPL's most successful teams in the tournament's 'Clasico'.

The two sides meet at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai after facing off at the Wankhede Stadium on April 23. On that occasion, it was the Super Kings who prevailed, winning by a whopping 103 runs, which is the first time the Mumbai Indians have been beaten by over 100 runs.

Sanju Samson's century propelled Super Kings to 207/6 after being put into bat before Mumbai Indians were bundled out for 104, with Akeal Hosein picking up four wickets. These two sides have not had the best of seasons, but still possess enough star power with players who can change the course of games single-handedly.

Here are the top player battles to watch out for from Match 44:

3) Shivam Dube vs AM Ghazanfar

While Shivam Dube has evolved into one of the most dangerous spin-hitters in the game, he has not been at his fluent best in 2026. He has scored just 150 runs, striking at 140.19, and has been used sparingly all season. He is still a potent six-hitter against spin bowling and has shown glimpses of his threat through the season.

While the Mumbai Indians have had a poor season, one of their bright spots has been the bowling of Afghanistan mystery-spinner AM Ghazanfar. He has picked up 10 wickets in six games this season, and despite going at an economy of 9.4, has looked MI’s most threatening bowler. Ghazanfar had Dube bowled in the previous encounter between these two sides.

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