Frontier before finals for Bangalore, Mumbai (Preview)

Just when Mumbai looked on course for a shock exit from the IPL, their faltering campaign was redeemed by back to back wins over Kolkata. The title race is now down to just three teams, with tomorrow’s qualifier match a virtual semi-final between Bangalore (loser qualifier) and Mumbai (winner eliminator) at neutral territory Chepauk. In a way, both these teams would consider themselves to be lucky for getting an opportunity to play the qualifier, Bangalore are here by virtue of the new play-off format while as, Mumbai scampered home with two narrow wins.

The last minute jitters apart, the hunger for glory would be there as they have finished as runner-ups in the past editions of IPL. Bangalore missed out in the finals of IPL-2 while as, Mumbai were the best side of the tournament last year till they ran into the Dhoni led Chennai, and had to settle with the second spot. Without doubt, they would want to go one better this time and claim the elusive silverware.

Mumbai dominated this year’s IPL till the half-way with a streak of comprehensive victories. However, the Sachin led side lost their way during the latter stages of league phase, partly because the batting did not click as a unit.

The top order was slow off the blocks and the lower order just wilted pressure of a run-chase. To counter this, two personnel changes have scripted the change in their fortunes. Aiden Blizzard as an opener provides the much needed momentum when the fielding restrictions are in place and James Franklin’s has played the role of finisher to perfection. On the contrary, the bowling with the likes of Malinga, Munaf and Harbhajan is a formidable proposition for any team. The captain, Sachin Tendulkar seems very determined to take Mumbai all the way this time around.

Mumbai’s road to glory is blocked by a side that has slipped just twice in their last ten outings. Chris Gayle has literally bulldozed bowlers with a display of clean but merciless hitting. His numbers are staggering, 519 runs in just ten games at an average of 74. The general rule is that the longer he stays at the crease, the lesser are the chances of opposition to overcome Bangalore. He has been ably supported by Virat Kohli, a genuine match-winner with a calm head over the shoulders.

The bowling, albeit, is a worry; a total of 175 couldn’t be defended against Chennai in the last match. Since, the Chepauk surface is usually loaded in favour of the spinners, Daniel Vettori’s performance with the ball may well be the deciding factor.

MUMBAI

Players who can make impact...

Aiden Blizzard….The left hander has batted with aggression, even under the shadow of master blaster, Tendulkar. As expected, the Aussie is an excellent cutter and puller, but the Chepauk is a slow and low track; he may have to make some adjustments to tackle the Bangalore pacers.

Harbhajan Singh….His mercurial with the bat and can give the ball a serious whack. But, Mumbai would require him to deliver the goods with the ball as spinners are likely to dictate terms.

SQUAD

Abu Nechim , Aditya Tare (wk), Aiden Blizzard, Ali Murtaza, Ambati Rayudu, Andrew Symonds, Davy Jacobs, Dhawal Kulkarni, Harbhajan Singh, James Franklin, Kieron Pollard, Lasith Malinga, Moises Henriques, Munaf Patel, Pawan Suyal, Rajagopal Sathish, Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar (c), Santosh Yadav, Sarul Kanwar, Tirumalsetti Suman, Yuzvendra Chahal

BANGALORE

Players who can make impact...

Chris Gayle… The destroyer from Jamaica has played with consistency of Don Bradman and the power of Viv Richards. After just nine outings for Bangalore, he holds the ‘Orange Cap’. However, all his good work would go waste if they don’t make it to the title-clash.

Daniel Vettori…He is like an artist with ball, working over batsmen with subtle changes in flight, length and pace. He would be more than a handful on the helpful Chennai strip. The battle of the captains, Sachin versus Vettori would be a highlight for sure.

SQUAD

AB de Villiers, Abhimanyu Mithun,Abrar Kazi,Arun Karthik,Asad Pathan,BN Barath,Charl Langeveldt,Cheteshwar Pujara, Daniel Vettori (c),Dirk Nannes,Johan van der Wath, Jonathan Vandiar,Luke Pomersbach,Mayank Agarwal,Mohammad Kaif,Muralidharen Gautam,Nuwan Pradeep,Raju Bhatkal,Rilee Rossouw,Ryan Ninan,Saurabh Tiwary, Sreenath Aravind, Tillakaratne Dilshan (withdrawn player) ,Virat Kohli, Zaheer Khan.