MI-CSK rivalry is like Manchester United vs Liverpool, says Moeen Ali

Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Moeen Ali compared the intense battles between his team and the defending IPL champions Mumbai Indians on Friday to the storied football rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool.

The Wankhede Stadium is set for IPL's El Clasico when the traditional rivals, Mumbai Indians, take on Chennai Super Kings. It's an iconic rivalry that excites not only the fans of both teams (tickets sell out within minutes of going on sale online, and TRPs are at their highest) but also the players involved. The rivalry between Liverpool and United is fierce, and it is regarded as England's biggest regional football rivalry.

With five titles, Mumbai Indians are the most successful team in IPL history, while Chennai Super Kings are a close second with four. However, both teams have struggled since the mega auction in 2022, having lost a core of their players, and their rivalry - also known as the IPL's El Clasico - is skewed in favour of the Mumbai Indians, who have 20 wins in 34 meetings with



CSK.

“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,” Moeen told the media here during CSK’s training session on Friday evening at the Wankhede Stadium.

Moeen Ali lent support to CSK's strike bowler Deepak Chahar, who struggled in the first two games against Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, saying he needed more game 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 said.