Daryl Mitchell vs Rachin Ravindra - who should CSK pick for IPL 2024 clash vs SRH? 

The Chennai Super Kings are all set to host the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in match 46 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

The Super Kings have faced back-to-back losses at the hands of the Lucknow Super Giants. In both games, CSK failed to defend their hefty totals of 176 (away) and 210 (home). They are positioned sixth in the points table with four victories in eight league matches. It will be a crucial game for the Chennai-based franchise for their progression into the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the SunRisers have secured five wins in eight appearances and are third in the standings. They are coming into this game after a 35-run loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. After conceding 206, SRH could only manage to score 171 in their designated 20 overs.

As per head-to-head stats, Chennai holds an edge with 14 victories in 22 encounters. However, Hyderabad prevailed by six wickets in a chase of 166, courtesy of Aiden Markram (50) and Abhishek Sharma (37) when these two sides met earlier this season.

It will be interesting to see which one of CSK or SRH will return to winning ways on Sunday. On that note, let's take a look at who among Dary Mitchell or Rachin Ravindra should play for CSK in this game

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1) Record against spin in T20s

As Chepauk hosts the Chennai Super Kings and the SunRisers Hyderabad game, the pitch is expected to offer assistance to slower bowlers. SRH will have two spinners in the form of Mayank Markande and Shahbaz Ahmed, and it will be important for CSK to be proficient against them.

In the shortest format, Daryl Mitchell has an average of 30.59 and a strike rate of 113.76 against the spinners. On the other hand, Rachin Ravindra has not fared well against spinners. The southpaw has scored 270 runs at an average of 14.21 at a strike rate of 118.42.

Mitchell clearly holds an edge when it comes to scoring runs against spinners, which will be useful against SRH.

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2) Performance in Chennai in IPL 2024

The Chennai Super Kings have won three out of their four games at their home ground this season. Let's take a look at how Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra have performed at CSK's den.

Mitchell has garnered 82 runs in four innings at an average of 27.33 at Chepauk this season. Meanwhile, Ravindra has scored 89 runs in three appearances at 26.66 at this venue.

Both batters have had similar performances at their home ground, and it is tough to finalize their selection based on this metric.

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3) IPL 2024 form

In seven appearances, Daryl Mitchell has accumulated 146 runs at an average of 24.33, with a top knock of 34 against the Delhi Capitals. Mitchell hasn't justified his place in the playing XI yet, failing to convert his starts into big knocks.

Meanwhile, Rachin Ravindra has garnered 133 runs in seven games at an average of 19 in this season. Apart from his notable knock of 46 against the Gujarat Titans, the southpaw hadn't been consistent throughout the first half of the tournament. This was the reason for him getting dropped in the last home game against the Lucknow Super Giants.

He returned with scores of 0, 21, 15, 12, and 2 in the last five games, which resulted in CSK team management bringing back Daryl Mitchell into the XI. However, Mitchell could not impress as he scored only 11 off 10 balls.

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CSK are likely to play with Daryl Mitchell against SRH

In a crunch game, experience will certainly come into play when both teams will be gunning for a victory to stake their claim for all-important playoffs.

On the batting front, Daryl Mitchell has experience of 200+ T20s and garnered close to 4,500 runs. He has also been useful with the ball to take 77 wickets as well. So, Mitchell can be termed a better option for CSK against SRH on Sunday.

It will be interesting to see if the Super Kings can come back to winning ways against the SunRisers and solidify their claim for the top-four spot.