A win over MI will make CSK title contenders, reckons Styris

While Mumbai Indians (MI) are still favourites, former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris reckons a win for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) over the defending champions will make them firm title contenders.

After losing their first game against Delhi Capitals (DC), CSK have won five games in a row and are currently at the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 table. MI, on the other hand, have had a stop-start season so far, having notched up just three wins in six outings.

"The power rankings, which you mentioned, I still have Mumbai at number one. So, I'm sticking to that, I think Mumbai, will go in as favourites. However, with the performances CSK has given, they could win this as well. I think this is a bit of a test for CSK, because I think you still need to judge yourself against Mumbai juggernaut," said Styris on Star Sports show Cricket Live. 

"You can't judge Mumbai and what they've done so far -- this Chennai, it was a dreadful cricket pitch. They're out of there. Now, they're getting back onto a surface that they are more comfortable with. I think we'll see their players flourish and show their skills," he further said.

I'd love to CSK win it because I think that really does make them title contenders -- they're already title contenders, but this will really solidify that. Other than that, Mumbai is still the favourite in this competition," Styris added. 

MI have the upper hand going into the match, having won eight of their previous 10 matches against CSK. However, CSK have managed to turn things around after a dreadful IPL 2020 season, which saw them finish seventh and with the momentum on their side, they could improve their head-to-head record against MI.