IPL 2019: The 'Thalaiva' effect and 4 more things to look forward to from the clash of the titans as Mumbai Indians lock horns with Chennai Super Kings

Three-time champions Mumbai Indians will be hosting defending champions and three-time winners Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday. Mumbai will be eager to register their first home win of this season by halting CSK's resurgence while Chennai will be looking to continue their unbeaten streak. Mumbai will be looking to bounce back from their eight-wicket loss against Kings XI Punjab on Saturday while CSK will be confident after their close eight-run-win over the Rajasthan Royals. 

Here's a look at a few things to look forward to in this 'Clash of the Titans'.

1. Watch out for the 'Thalaiva' effect: CSK captain MS Dhoni has played a significant role in the success of this franchise since the inception of IPL. Chennai who are the defending champions are yet to taste defeat in the ongoing edition. Dhoni has been finishing the matches for his side since the last two games. He had played a patient knock of an unbeaten 35-ball 32 against Delhi Capitals in their chase of 148. He played a splendid knock of a 46-ball 75 at a strike rate of 163.04 against Rajasthan Royals. He had come in when CSK were reeling at 27/3. His knock helped his side post a competitive 175/5 in their 20 overs. 

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2. Yuvraj Singh: Yuvraj has been hitting some big shots in the last three matches. He kept Mumbai's hopes alive with his good knock of a 35-ball 53 during their run chase of 214. The southpaw had been getting starts in the games against RCB and Punjab but has not succeeded in converting them into big scores. He will be hoping to make amends during the clash against CSK.

3. Head-to-head records: Mumbai hold an advantage over CSK in terms of head-to-head records. In the 26 matches that have been played between them, Mumbai have registered 14 wins while Chennai have won on 12 occasions. Mumbai also enjoy a home advantage with a 6-5 victory margin in 11 games.

4. Rohit Sharma: The Mumbai Indians skipper will be desperate to make his bat do the talking at the Wankhede Stadium. The Indian limited overs vice-captain has amassed 94 runs in three matches so far at a strike rate of 146.87. He will be looking to prove a point or two against MS Dhoni's brigade on Wednesday.

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5. Hardik Pandya: Pandya has been making an impact with his impressive cameo in the last two games. Mumbai will be hoping that the Indian all-rounder adds some quick runs for them in the middle and death overs.