New Delhi: Two of the most balanced sides in this edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will go head-to-head for the first time today with Mumbai Indians hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The hosts have produced a thrilling win on the Sunday night against a strong Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) outfit to register their first win. They have started the 2017 IPL campaign on a losing note, succumbing to Steve Smith’s brilliance on April 6.
That win in the penultimate over against KKR speaks volumes about Rohit Sharma’s team – the will and purpose, and also the strength. The skipper himself ‘elaborated’ during the post match talk that they indeed prefer to keep everyone “on their toes”, including themselves.
Yes, he was referring to the tight chase. But fans knew, it could have gone wrong, easily, if not for a series of fielding mistakes from the visitors.
And, they can’t afford to play that waiting, keeping everyone “on their toes” game against the defending champions. For, their will have no gifts coming from David Warner & Co.
Sunrisers have won both their games, both comfortably, against title contenders Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Lions.
A win today will help Sunrisers help consolidate their position as the leaders even as others jostle contenders slot. A defeat, and the table will open up for other teams too.
So, here are five possible protagonists who are likely to play big roles in the outcome of the match
1. Rohit Sharma: The skipper was unlucky to be given out in their last match, but he was more than a disappointing figure so far. But he is one big bat for any team. He often takes time to get warm up, like his team; but once he gets set, 29-year-old is almost impossible to stop.
Today, he will be key to the team’s form. Expect him to fire.
2. David Warner: The adopted captain of the visiting team has emerged as one of the favourite sons of Hyderabad, akin to what AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle are in Bengaluru. He has led the team with such able hands that even the haters – mostly borne out of the ill-tempered India-Australia series – have shown their approval of the Aussie leader. Case in point – his mid-run stop to help Basil Thampi in their last match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. It happened just in the nick of time, a fleeting sight but nonetheless an important one for the sport, which has seen toxic sipped into its veins.
Besides, his bat is also talking. Expect him to continue in that vein.
3. Yuvraj Singh: Then we have the superstars making their cases. And no one does it better than Yuvraj Singh. The veteran all-rounder rocked the IPL 10 opener, but was not required to bat in the second match.
But the 35-year-old would not like to waste any chance as he continues to fight against age to make his relevance in international cricket too. And IPL, with millions watching his every move, is the perfect platform to exert his case. Yes, with some performance.
4. Mustafizur Rahman: The defending champions didn’t really miss the services of Mustifizur. But the Bangladeshi speedster is one hell of a talent. Excuse the hyperbole. He is one of the best bowling talent around, and the 21-year-old seeks big platforms.
He was on national duty in Sri Lanka, is already with the team. Expect him to bowl those four overs with discipline, probing batsmen as if they have never been probed. Yes, he and young spinner Rashid Khan will be a deadly combo for any team.
5. The Pandyas: In the last match, the Pandya brothers stole the show – taking wickets, holding to tough catches, scoring runs and even celebrating together. They were virtually inseparable.
That’s Krunal and Hardik. The Pandyas are double trouble for any team. And today, they will continue to do what they do best. Get ready to be entertained.
Source: Zee News