The Mumbai Indians (MI) take on arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 33 of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 23. Both sides desperately need a win to make a late push towards the playoffs in the second half of the season.
MI come into the game on the back of a convincing 99-run victory over the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. It was a welcome win for Hardik Pandya’s side, who had suffered four consecutive defeats before their win at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
CSK, on the other hand, are coming into the game after suffering a loss against the Sunrisers Hyderabad after seemingly getting their season back on track with back-to-back wins over the Delhi Capitals and the Kolkata Knight Riders on home soil.
MI and CSK played each other twice last season, with both sides winning once. The Mumbai-based outfit, however, secured a nine-wicket victory over their rivals at the Wankhede Stadium. Chasing 177 in the second innings, MI reached their target with 26 balls to spare, thanks to Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten half-centuries.Â
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Pitch Report
Wankhede Stadium has been renowned for being a batting-friendly venue thanks to its wicket, small dimensions, and quick outfield. The new-ball bowlers do sometimes get some swing in the powerplay, thanks to the sea breeze blowing in with the Arabian Sea being a stone’s throw away from the ground.Â
The average first innings score after three matches played is 218. However, the team batting first has only won once so far.
IPL Stats and Records at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
| Matches Played |
128 |
| Matches Won Batting First |
57 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 70 |
| Matches With No Result | 00 |
| Matches Tied | 01 |
| Average First Innings Score | 173 |
| Highest Team Total | 235 |
| Highest Total Successfully Chased | 220 |
MI vs CSK: Strategies and Match-ups
MI have a relatively more balanced side than CSK, with Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side currently going through an injury crisis. The team in yellow are without Khaleel Ahmed and Ayush Mhatre, with MS Dhoni’s fitness also being a huge question mark. MI, meanwhile, have struggled with the ball at times and will face an in-form Sanju Samson and Sarfaraz Khan.
In one of the oldest rivalries in IPL history, CSK and MI have faced each other 39 times in the IPL, with the team from Maharashtra leading the head-to-head 21 to 18. CSK, however, have dominated the more recent record, winning four out of the last five games against MI.Â
