Durban, April 24 (Inditop) Mumbai Indians will have to pull out all the stops when they face table-toppers Deccan Chargers, who will look to maintain their hot form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at Kingsmead here Saturday.
Mumbai Indians made a thumping start to the tournament, beating last year’s runner-up Chennai Super Kings before rain forced them to split points against Rajasthan Royals.
Deccan Chargers’ has been the story of the tournament so far. The last year’s bottom placed team is now leading the points table with two sweeping victories from two matches.
They have ruthlessly crushed Kolkata Knight Riders and Bangalore Royal Challengers. With the kind of arsenal at their disposal, Chargers have certainly worn the favourite tag a week into the tournament.
Captain Adam Gilchrist has led the team from the front with a smashing 45-ball 71 against Royal Challengers. Rohit Sharma has been a revelation with his clean strikes. The side also boasts of power-hitters like Herschelle Gibbs and Scott Styris.
Sharma, who has been out-of-form in the last couple of months, is happy to be back among runs.
“I was not in good touch, so I wanted to perform in the IPL. It is very important for me to play well here and I am happy to have made the right start,” he said.
Sharma also feels they have enough experience in the ranks to guide them in the tournament.
“I think we can be one of the top teams this year. Because we have seasoned campaigners who have played here before and they know how to adjust to the conditions.”
The bowling attack of the Chargers has also come good. The express-pace of Fidel Edwards and the swing of R.P Singh have not allowed other teams to explode in the powerplay. Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha has shone in the middle overs with crucial wickets. Ojha is not afraid of giving air to the ball and that has given him three important wickets, all stumped.
Mumbai Indians will be a bit rusty as they will be playing after a full week. Their last match against Rajasthan Royals was washed out. The Sachin Tendulkar-led side will be eager to take the field, having started the tournament with a big win against Super Kings. They are third in the table with three points from two matches.
rounak