'It's like Manchester United vs Liverpool' - Moeen Ali ahead of CSK’s clash with MI in IPL 2023

MI vs CSK (Source - Twitter)

Mumbai Indians are all set to take on Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede stadium on Saturday for match number 12 of the Indian Premier League 2023. Both MI and CSK are the most successful teams in IPL history. MI has clinched the title five times, while CSK is the four-time champion.

CSK won their first title by defeating MI in the final in 2010, while MI defeated CSK three times in the final in 2013, 2015, and 2019. Fans are always excited about the clash between these two teams and it is often called the ‘El Classico’ of IPL.

Moeen Ali, who is also part of the CSK squad, spiced the rivalry even further by comparing it with the Football rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool. The English all-rounder said that this is the game he looks forward to playing.

“This is a game I really look forward to. These are the two most successful franchises and the fan-following is huge and this is one of the biggest games you can play as a cricketer outside of international cricket," Moeen said in the pre-match conference during CSK's training session on Friday at the Wankhede Stadium.

"In football’s point of view, it is like Manchester United playing Liverpool. These are huge games,” he further added.

'He (Deepak Chahar) had a bad injury and is coming back after a long time' - Moeen Ali

Speaking further, Moeen also backed CSK Deepak Chahar, who struggled in the previous two matches against Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively. “I think the only thing he is lacking is game time. He had a bad injury and is coming back after a long time. Unless you can bowl in a proper game which you need as a bowler, he will get better as the tournament goes on," said the CSK all-rounder.

Both CSK and MI will be looking forward to going ahead in the season winning the match. CSK lost their first game against GT by 5 wickets in Ahmedabad but made a comeback by defeating LSG by 12 runs in front of their home crowd at the Chepauk stadium. However, MI lost their first match against Royal Challengers Bangalore by 8 wickets at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium. They will be looking to get their first win of the season in front of their home crowd.