IPL 2026: Mohammad Kaif backs MI to have upper hand over CSK in ‘Revenge Week’ clash

Published - 02 May 2026, 18:10 IST | Updated - 02 May 2026, 18:11 IST

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif feels Mumbai Indians (MI) hold a slight edge over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of their much-anticipated encounter in the Indian Premier League 2026 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Saturday, May 02.

Sharing his views before the high-voltage clash, the commentator highlighted Mumbai Indians’ squad strength, while also pointing out concerns around their recent performances this season. Despite MI’s inconsistency, Kaif believes their ability to dominate games on a given day makes them a dangerous unit.

“On paper, Mumbai Indians look stronger than Chennai Super Kings because they have a lot of match winners and experienced campaigners in their side. But when you look at recent form, a lot of questions get raised because MI haven’t been winning many games. That said, on their day, if they play a dominant brand of cricket, they can be very hard to stop,” Kaif told JioStar.

He also noted that CSK have largely depended on individual brilliance so far, which could work against them in a big game. According to him, apart from Sanju Samson, who already has scored two stunning centuries, no other CSK batter is in form.

“Chennai, on the other hand, have only had Sanju Samson firing so far. They are relying heavily on his performances to win games. That is why Mumbai head into this crucial match with the upper hand,” the cricketer-turned-commentator concluded.

This will be the second encounter in IPL 2026 between two champion sides. MI hosted the Ruturaj Gaikwad side on April 23, where the visiting side thrashed the hosts, winning the contest by 103 runs.

CSK are currently sitting in seventh position, whereas MI are in ninth position. With both teams looking to gain momentum in the latter half of the tournament, the clash promises to be another thrilling chapter in the storied CSK-MI rivalry.