Having single-handedly fashioned MI's entry into the last four, it will be Tendulkar's wicket that should decide today's game
Having single-handedly fashioned MI's entry into the last four, it will be Tendulkar's wicket that should decide today's game
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| Mumbai Indians skipper Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh share a light moment during practice yesterday. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE |
For the first time Mumbai Indians (MI) players will experience real pressure in the Indian Premier League this season when they play Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first semi-final at the D Y Patil Stadium tonight.
Having been on a roll from the start, the MI players have rarely been tested in the league stage. The home team's comfort zone has been mainly due to their skipper Sachin Tendulkar's sensational form. He's the top run-getter with 561 runs at an average of 51.
With his team having become accustomed to their champion batsman shouldering the bulk of the responsibility, it's obvious that Tendulkar's wicket will in all probability determine the outcome of the match.
His former India teammate and RCB skipper Anil Kumble admitted that the Tendulkar-factor will be huge.
"Sachin is a big player whether he plays for India, Mumbai or Mumbai Indians. We have seen throughout the tournament his ability not only as a captain but as a player... as a batsman, so we are aware of that. As an opposition, you look to get him out cheaply. Hopefully, we will be able do that (in this game). But we want to concentrate on a team rather than on individual," saidu00a0 Kumble.
Mumbai crowdRCB would also be cursing their luck as the shift in semi-final venue at the last minute has literally reversed their home advantage.
MI have thrived on crowd support in their home matches and that is another factor that could turn the game decisively in favour of the hosts. Tendulkar's team has been virtually unbeatable in their own den, having won seven of their eight games played in Mumbai. In this context too, Tendulkar will be a decisive factor.
Tendulkar's sight is sure to double crowd's enthusiasm and if he gets his team off to a good start, the atmosphere in the stadium will become electric. The decibel levels will go up several notches and the arena can be quite an intimidating experience for any opposition. "It's disappointing that we had to shift, but that's not in our control. The home advantage would have been good for us," said Kumble.
Steyn vs SachinRCB's best bet to get Tendulkar is their fast bowler Dale Steyn. The South African pacer has been in top form this season and has bowled with success in the IPL, taking 13 wickets at an economy rate of 6.76. He's been especially lethal with the new-ball, troubling the top order batsmen with his sharp away swingers.
But even he is aware that Tendulkar is a tough cookie. He has handled Steyn comfortable in both the league games (in the IPL) and had scored two successive hundreds against the South Africans in the Test series before that.
Former Mumbai Indians coach Lalchand Rajput said it will be important for Tendulkar to anchor the MI innings.
"Tendulkar has been the pillar around whom the MI batting has revolved this season. The outcome of the semis will depend a lot on his contribution. He has to be there for at least 15 overs," said Rajput.
