Mumbai Indians skipper Sachin Tendulkar knows what he's up against in today's clash with Delhi Daredevils
Mumbai Indians skipper Sachin Tendulkar knows what he's up against in today's clash with Delhi Daredevils
The situation does not get more challenging than this a must-win game against the top team in the tournament and that too in the rival's den. Delhi Daredevils face this daunting task when they play Mumbai Indians in a crucial Indian Premier League match at the Brabourne Stadium today.
Pre-tournament favourites, Delhi find themselves under pressure in the semi-final race following their surprise defeats to Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders in their last two games. It sees DD with 12 points from as many games, leaving them in a tight race for qualification with Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings and the Knight Riders.
DD boast of a fine record in the tournament, having reached the semis in the first two editions, and it's not beyond them to achieve the same this year too.
But their chances will depend heavily on their biggest weapon Virender Sehwag. He is the team's highest run-getter inu00a0 the IPL with 1062 runs and also leads the run-scoring charts for Delhi this season with 324 in 11 games.
There's no doubt, DD will be looking up to the dashing opener for inspiration and runs. And on such occasions when the chips are down, Sehwag has rarely failed to deliver.
MI skipper Sachin Tendulkar, who has seen Sehwag's international career blossom, agreed that his India opening partner would be the dangerman today.
"We all know what he's capable of. He has proven it every now and then. What does one say about such a terrific player, whatever compliments you pay are not enough," said Tendulkar.
In jest, Tendulkar had asked Sehwag to show some respect before their first-leg match in Delhi and the Mumbai captain repeated the request.
"I will host him well off the field. But on the field, he still has to show some respect," chuckled Tendulkar.
Sehwag and teammates can expect no easy ride against Tendulkar's team. MI are focused on maintaining the momentum. "We are not complacent. We wanted to have a four-point advantage. Our next goal is to end the league stage as table-toppers," said Director of Cricket T A Sekar.
MI too have a few things to iron out in their game before the semi-final stage. The over-reliance on Tendulkar is still a matter of concern.
"In this format, one day you click, another day you don't. It is difficult because you are improvising so much. It is difficult to be consistent, but I am hoping that when it's needed the most, the batting will fire because they are all talented cricketers," said Tendulkar.
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