23 May,2012 10:28 AM IST | | A Correspondent
Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma
With 419 runs in 16 league games, the dashing Bandra lad is clearly the mainstay of the Mumbai Indians batting line-up. His team have often ended up on the winning side whenever he has scored big in the tournament so far. MI would be banking heavily on Sharma to go all out in the knockout stage. On the personal front too, Sharma would look to carry the confidence into the T20 World Cup.
Lasith Malinga
He is not only the most economical bowler (6.0) for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League-V so far, but also the highest wicket-taker (22 from 13 games). The Sri Lankan pacer is an integral part of MI's plans and a lot would be riding on him. Malinga will be expected to make early in-roads into the opposition camp and give nothing away, especially in the first powerplay.
Chennai Super Kings
Suresh Raina
He may not have set the stage on fire in the Indian Premier League's fifth edition, scoring 341 from 16 matches. But Suresh Raina is finding form at the right time. Raina, a master of Indian conditions, has an uncanny knack of doing well in crucial games. Remember, his unbeaten knock of 34 against two-time World champions Australia in 2011 World Cup quarter-final.
MS Dhoni
Chennai Super Kings needed a stroke of luck which they have now got. And skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will surely not let this chance go away. Master tactician Dhoni, who is also a great finisher, would not allow anymore slip-ups this time. Big games also bring out the best in him. The experience of leading the team in consecutive finals of the last two IPL seasons is also an added advantage to CSK.u00a0