Internet Desk: Mumbai Indians will look to get past nemesis Rising Pune Supergiant when the two teams meet each other in the final of Indian Premier League 2017 in Hyderabad. Billed as a “Maharshtra Derby” , the final promises to be a riveting battle between two of the most power packed teams.
The formidable Mumbai Indians has been humbled on all three occasions the two sides met with each other this season. Steve Smith’s side registered a comprehensive win over Mumbai in the Qualifier 1 at the Wankhede. But final is a new day and Mumbai has everything to play for to be fourth time lucky.
The two-time champions Mumbai will be playing their fourth final and should have been termed as clear favourites had it not been for a certain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who will be playing a record seventh IPL final.
The biggest positive from Mumbai Indians is their bench strength. They have played more like a team right throughout the tournament. When Jos Buttler left, they had Lendl Simmons to fill up for him. Similarly, Mitchell McClenaghan (19 wickets) can cool his heels with Mitchell Johnson tormenting the batsmen. Karn Sharma grabbed his opportunity with both hands coming in as a replacement for Harbhajan Singh. The leg-spinner crushed the KKR batting during the second Qualifier. Nitish Rana (333 runs) has been one of the finds for Mumbai but when Ambati Rayud has been equally effective since coming back from injury.
The two time champions also boast of having two best death bowlers in this format in the likes of Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah. Pandya brothers — Krunal and Hardik — provide the all-round balance and above all there is Rohit, who can singlehandedly turn the match on its head along with Kieron Pollard.
Rising Pune Supergiant will be banking on the experience of MS Dhoni, who will be playing in his seventh IPL final. Dhoni has played six finals between 2008 and 2015 for the Chennai Super Kings, winning the 2010 and ’11 editions.
The former India captain knows more than a thing or two about IPL finals. Pune skipper Steve Smith will be banking on Dhoni’s experience with an aim to emulate Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, David Warner — the Aussies who have lifted the silverware.
In terms of performance, Dhoni hasn’t exactly set the stage on fire but his contribution in two of the victories has had a telling impact.
The tricky chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad during a league game was one match in which Supergiant witnessed the ‘Master Finisher’ come to the fore. It was a match Pune needed to win in order to get some momentum going.
And then the five sixes off the last two overs during the Qualifier 1 at Wankhede — a match that was till then in MI’s grip.
The biggest concern for RPS will be the absence of Ben Stokes. The England all-rounder has been one of those rare players, who has justified the big bucks (Rs 14.5 crore) spent on him by Sanjeev Goenka.
Stokes’ had a telling influence to Supergiant progress to the final. He not only scored 316 runs and took 12 wickets but had a huge role to play in ensuring a smooth passage to the play-offs.
The century against Gujarat Lions, while battling cramps, and brilliant overs at the death made it easier for Smith.
Rahul Tripathi has been the fins of the season for Rising Pune Supergiant. The son of an Army Major has taken the IPL 10 with his stride, scoring a staggering 388 runs. Supergiant will bank on Tripathi and Ajinkya Rahane to give the start they want to against a formidable Mumbai bowling line up.
Another find for Supergiant this season has been Washington Sundar, who has impressed everyone with his bowling in Powerplays, to some of the best T20 exponents.
Skipper Smith (421) also had a good start before some quiet matches towards the business end. Manoj Tiwary (317) has also played his part to perfection.
The best part about their campaign has been turning their weak-links into a strong point.
Once Imran Tahir (18 wickets) left for national duty, no one would have thought that Jaydev Unadkat (22 wickets) would make this platform his own with support from the unheralded Washington and Shardul Thakur.