Mumbai: Former Australian speedster Brett Lee has tipped three-time champions Chennai Super Kings to win the 13th IPL, saying the variety in their spin department gives them an advantage in the UAE conditions.
The 13th IPL, which was shifted to UAE due to rising COVID-19 cases in India, will get underway in Abu Dhabi on Saturday with a clash between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
"They (CSK) are up there. I have picked them to win and I think CSK have a good chance because of their spin attack," Lee said.
"With Santner, Jadeja needs to step up and be the no.1 spinner and CSK have got great variety and none of the spinners are same, so they are at an advantage for the conditions in the UAE as the tournament progresses."
Four-time winners Mumbai Indian will miss the services of their bowling spearhead Lasith Malinga who opted out of the tournament citing personal reasons.
However, the 43-year-old Lee said he has no doubts that Jasprit Bumrah will be able to fill in the shoes of the experienced seamer.
Laisth Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah Malinga will be missing IPL this year as he opted out of the tournament due to personal reasons, and Mumbai Indians have named Australian quick James Pattinson as his replacement.
"I have been Bumrah's fan since he burst into the scene some years ago. He has got a different bowling action, he pushes the ball in, and can swing the ball both ways. He is good with the new ball, but I like him with the old ball, and that's why he can fill the shoes of Malinga and can bowl at death overs. He can bowl at 140kmph and zoom the ball in at the batsman's feet. He is bowling the yorkers consistently, and there are very few bowlers like him," Lee told the official broadcasters.
When asked about the chances of Mumbai Indians in this year's IPL, Lee said: "They have to be in the top four. Champions of last year, they have got a good squad. Pollard is in form and we know what Rohit can do. They have Jasprit Bumrah, and some good spinners and some power hitters as well, so yes, they are in my top four."
Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings will lock horns in the tournament opener on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
When asked about the CSK line-up, Lee said: "They are up there. I have picked them to win and I think CSK has a good chance because of their spin attack. With Santner, Jadeja needs to step up and be the number one spinner and CSK has got great variety and none of the spinners are the same so they are at an advantage for the conditions in the UAE as the tournament.
CSK and Mumbai had played the finals of the 2019 edition with Mumbai winning its fourth IPL title.
