In the last editions of the IPL, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have won the IPL twice and will be looking for their third title when they face Mumbai Indians (MI) in the finals of IPL 2015 at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
With the form MI have shown of late in the competition, they will be a confident unit to clinch their second IPL title as well. They have won eight out of their last nine IPL matches. The final is expected to be a close one.
There are some big players in both the camps and they will be eager to deliver the goods on the day, which matters the most. Players, who rise to the occasion for the big day, will be remembered for years to come, especially if anyone plays a match-winning knock or bowls a superb spell.
Here is a look at the players, who can help their team win the title.
Mumbai Indians
Lendl Simmons – The West Indian batsman has given some great start to the MI alongside Parthiv Patel at the top of the order and Simmons has provided a superb platform for the likes of Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard to score some quick runs. Rohit Sharma will be asking for a similar performance from Simmons for one final time and help his team clinch the title. He has scored 472 runs in IPL 2015 so far.
Lasith Malinga – The Sri Lankan bowler has been one of the main reasons for MI success this season as the pacer has taken as many as 22 wickets in the competition. His performance with the new ball has been phenomenal and has been an impossible bowler to score of in the slog overs, as he uses his slower deliveries and toe crushing yorkers to good effect.
Kieron Pollard – Undoubtedly, Pollard is one of the most feared cricketers with the willow in his hand. He has that uncanny knack of hitting big sixes and taking bowlers out of the attack as he thrashes bowlers all around the park as well. With a strike rate of 160.92, he has scored 383 runs in IPL 2015. CSK will consider his wicket as a prize scalp as Pollard can win matches from impossible situations.
Chennai Super Kings
Dwayne Smith – After starting the IPL 2015 in decent form, Smith has looked below par, but the start he provides at the top order is going to be crucial in IPL 2015 final. The West Indian is due for a big score and it is the best time for the player to deliver and repay the faith shown by MS Dhoni despite his disappointing performances. He has scored 342 runs so far in the competition.
Ashish Nehra – With MI possessing a strong top order, Nehra's performance with the new ball could well prove to be the difference in the final. Nehra, who possess a natural ball swinging ability, takes early wickets and if he does the same against MI, CSK will be in the driver's seat. With 22 wickets against his name, he is the third highest wicket taker in the tournament.
MS Dhoni – One needs a cool head while playing such big games and MS Dhoni does possess such skill, which makes him one of the best in pressure cooker situations. With an experience of playing such IPL finals, one can expect the skipper to make correct calls while leading the side. If MS Dhoni's team bats second, he will always be the key batsmen during the chase.
