Dubai: Mumbai Indians, who finished last in the 10-team table last season, will be looking for a perfect start against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings in the second match of the first double-header in Indian Premier League Season 18 on Sunday.The contest between the two five-time champions has always been fiercely fought, and Mumbai have the firepower to bounce back after a lacklustre few seasons. However, they face a stern challenge at the Lions’ Den in Chepauk, where the wickets favour the home team’s spinners..Mumbai without Hardik and Bumrah.Mumbai will be without two key players — skipper Hardik Pandya, who is serving a one-match ban for a slow over-rate infringement last season, and ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who is awaiting clearance from the NCA.Stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav was once the world’s No. 1 batter in T20 cricket, but his performance over the last two years has dipped significantly. However, his IPL form has been reasonable, scoring 345 runs in 11 innings, including a century and three half-centuries..Mumbai arguably have the best batting line-up after Sunrisers Hyderabad, but Hardik’s absence will put added pressure on Rohit Sharma, who is expected to continue his aggressive approach. Tilak Varma provides some stability, but the match could ultimately be decided by the bowlers.CSK’s all-round depth a major advantageMahendra Singh Dhoni continues to be the heartbeat of Chennai despite handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad. The return of hometown hero Ravichandran Ashwin and the presence of 11 all-rounders—including Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, and Sam Curran—give the team remarkable flexibility.Mumbai will bank on their two New Zealanders, Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner. Santner, who was part of the Chennai setup until last year’s mega auction in Jeddah, will now be looking to make an impact for Mumbai..Head-to-head battle favours MumbaiThe two teams have met 39 times, including two Champions League T20 clashes, with Mumbai holding a slight edge with 21 wins. However, Chennai enter this match with confidence, having won the last meeting in Mumbai.In that encounter, Chennai posted 206 for four, powered by Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 69 and Shivam Dube’s unbeaten 66. Despite Rohit Sharma’s valiant century, Mumbai fell short by 20 runs, undone by Sri Lankan slinger Matheesha Pathirana’s match-winning four-wicket haul.With Chennai narrowly missing the playoffs last season on net run rate, they will be eager to start their campaign with a statement win against their fiercest rivals..TeamsChennai Super KingsRuturaj Gaikwad (captain), Rachin Ravindra (overseas), Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sam Curran (overseas), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran (overseas), Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana (overseas), Noor Ahmed (overseas), Devon Conway, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Jamie Overton (overseas), Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis (overseas), Gurjapneet Singh, Shreyas Gopal.Mumbai IndiansSuryakumar Yadav (captain), Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Bevon Jacobs (overseas), Corbin Bosch (overseas), Mitchell Santner (overseas), Trent Boult (overseas), Deepak Chahar, Karn Sharma, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Ryan Rickelton (overseas), Raj Bawa, Will Jacks (overseas), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (overseas).Venue:Chennai, MA Chidambaram Stadium..Match timing:6pm UAE