Mumbai Indians may have started IPL 2015 on a bad note losing all their matches played so far, but they are still one of the most-feared teams in the IPL, as their team comprises a number of match-winners.
Having said that, these match winners need to go out and prove themselves on the field.So, when Mumbai Indians' players such as Rohit Sharma, Lasith Malinga, Corey Anderson, Kieron Pollard host Chennai Super Kings on Friday at the Wankhede Stadium, they need to show their class and worth.
If these players get their act going, it would be a tough game for the Super Kings, who have won both their matches so far.
If Mumbai comprises big players, Chennai also have a number of players who can change the course of the game in a matter of overs. MS Dhoni and his men have been in good form as they have not lost a single game in IPL 2015. But, in order to maintain their winning streak, their big players need to fire.
Let's look at two players from each side, who are expected to play an important role in today's game.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Rohit Sharma – The Indian opener, playing his first match of the season narrowly missed a century against KKR scoring 98 runs; the team also lost the match. But the Indian batsman has failed to score big ever since. The Mumbai batsman is one of the mainstays at the top order and the team would be looking forward to his batting exploits. He is a terrific player of both spin and pace, hence could prove to be a huge threat to CSK. If Rohit clicks, expect the team to put up a mammoth total.
Corey Anderson – The all-rounder from New Zealand has looked in good form throughout the IPL this season. Though only few matches have been played, the player has already proved his value to the team with both the bat and the ball. He has taken one wicket in the competition, but it is his exploits with the bat, which is feared in the IPL. He has scored 110 runs playing in the lower middle order for Mumbai Indians, with a healthy strike rate of 122.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Brendon McCullum – Just two matches and the New Zealander has already scored a century, and what a ton it was, with a flurry of boundaries and sixes against Sunrisers Hyderabad. If he repeats his performance against Mumbai Indians as well, CSK would be in the driving seat, as he demolishes bowlers and the morale of the opponents as well. He could well prove to be the prize wicket for Mumbai Indian bowlers, as the New Zealander has been in great form of late.
Ashish Nehra – Taking wickets will be crucial for CSK, as MI have a strong batting line up, which includes the likes of Kieron Pollard, Sharma and Anderson. Nehra, with his swing is going to be a key figure for Dhoni, as he has the knack of taking early wickets. Being an experienced Indian seamer, he knows Indian pitches well enough to bowl in the right areas and with decent accuracy, to be effective. He has already been impressive in the tournament, taking 3 wickets at an average of 18.66.
