The CSK versus MI clash is considered as the El Clasico of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since both teams have been highly successful in the cash-rich tournament over the years.

While the MS Dhoni-led side has won the IPL title four times, the Rohit Sharma-led side has lifted the trophy as many as five times.

In the 2023 edition of IPL, the two teams are due to face each other for the first time at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday (April 8).

Ahead of the marquee encounter, CSK all-rounder Moeen Ali related the rivalry to one of football’s iconic rivalries: Manchester United vs Liverpool.

“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.

“In football’s point of view it is like Manchester United playing Liverpool. These are huge games,” Ali told media on the eve of the match.

Deepak Chahar hasn’t fired with the ball for CSK in the first two games against Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants. However, Moeen Ali backed him by saying that the right-arm pacer needs more time.

“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.

“He is a big bowler for us and when he gets it right he gets three or four wickets in the powerplay,” Moeen stated.

(With PTI Inputs)