After some intense cricket in IPL 2017 group stages and Playoffs, we are now at the business end of the competition. Two most consistent teams, Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiant, will fight it out for the title at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday.
Mumbai Indians have played some wonderful cricket in IPL 2017, and deserve a spot in the final against another consistent performer Rising Pune Supergiant. However, if there is one team, MI had problems with, it was RPS, who defeated them in all three head-to-head matches in IPL 2017.
Though RPS will head into this match with immense confidence, both teams are aware that such records will take a back seat when it comes to the final. Team which plays better cricket in 40 overs will win the IPL 2017 title.
While Mumbai Indians are looking to become the first team to win the IPL title thrice, RPS will be looking to win their maiden title in their second season. The final promises to be a cracker when the two teams meet for the fourth time in the competition.
Mumbai Indians were always the favourites even before the competition started.
The likes of Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard and Jasprit Bumrah can win matches in difficult situations and with youngsters such as Krunal Pandya, and Hardik in the team, Mumbai pack a punch.
MI skipper Rohit Sharma knows about his team's track record against RPS.
"It's true we haven't played well against Pune. They have been playing some really good cricket and it's just that we haven't been playing too well on those days. That's the reason we lost those games. Tomorrow we've got to make sure we're better and we play good cricket and focus on what we need to do. If all those things are looked after results will take care of themselves," Cricbuzz quoted Rohit as saying.
RPS are a strong team, but the franchise will miss the likes of Ben Stokes and Imran Tahir, who left midway for national duty, in the final. However, there is a reason why RPS have reached the finals. They have delivered as a unit.
The youngsters in the RPS camp have stood up to the task. Rahul Tripathi has been brilliant with the bat at the top of the order. Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur have been solid with the ball. And if the likes of Steve Smith, Ajinkya Rahane and MS Dhoni contribute in the final, RPS should be in the driver's seat to clinch their maiden IPL title.
RPS skipper Steve Smith said the team need to play better cricket on Sunday.
"The young guys have been a real big part of our success throughout this tournament. They have not played those high pressure final games. That can play into your favour sometimes. They can play with freedom and do the job," Hindustan Times quoted Smith as saying.
"Finals cricket is finals cricket. It all boils down to who plays well. Both teams have played really good cricket so far and I am sure tomorrow's clash is going to be another beauty as well."
Where to watch IPL 2017 final
The IPL 2017 final between Rising Pune Supergiant and Mumbai Indians is scheduled for 8:00 pm IST, 3:30 pm BST and 10:30 am ET start.
TV and Live streaming information
India: TV: Sony Max, Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Sony Max, Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD. Live Streaming: Hotstar.
USA: TV: Willow TV. Live Streaming: Willow TV Online.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 4HD. Live Streaming: Sky Sports Go.
International: Live Streaming: Cricketgateway.
Middle East: TV: OSN Sports Cricket HD. Live Streaming: OSN Play.
South Africa: TV: SuperSport. Live Streaming: SuperSport Live Video.
