After setting the stage on fire with a half-century on his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut against Chennai Super Kings in the fifth edition opener, things haven't quite gone the way Richard Levi would have expected.
The South African big-hitter was out for a duck against Pune Warriors India, scored three against Deccan Chargers and 29 in the last match against Rajasthan Royals. However, he is keen to live up to expectations.
Tendulkar bats during MI’s training session at the Wankhede Stadium yesterday. Pic/Suresh KK
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“Obviously, it’s not going very well. You want to keep the form, but if you see the nature of the game where I bat and the role I have been given, consistency will always be an issue. There is spin and low bounce, and I am looking at different game plans that I would normally use in South Africa,” Levi told reporters on the eve of their match against Delhi Daredevils at the Wankhede Stadium.
MI would be looking to win their third consecutive match in IPL-V and keep their sound home record intact. Daredevils will be keen to build on the momentum they gained after beating defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the last match.
Richard Levi
Sachin unlikely to play
Meanwhile, Sachin Tendulkar is still unlikely to play today in spite of knocking in the nets for nearly an hour yesterday. The batting legend, who injured his right hand finger in the IPL opener, didn’t look comfortable while batting. Many a time, his bottom hand would come off playing his drives. Mumbai Indians’ mentor-cum-bowling coach Shaun Pollock was constantly monitoring Tendulkar in the nets. After the net session, the two were seen in discussion, but the signs were not encouraging.
Levi said the team management will take a final call on Tendulkar before the match. “He had a training session yesterday (on Saturday) and hit balls for 45 minutes to an hour. His finger seems to look pretty fine, but the guys will make a call on him tomorrow before the game,” said Levi.
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