<img title="Rohit Sharma. Pics/Suresh Karkera" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/may/16Rohit-Sharma.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma. Pics/Suresh Karkera" /> Rohit Sharma. Pics/Suresh Karkera
Two-time Indian Premier League champions (2013 and 2015) and table-toppers, Mumbai Indians have tasted defeat only on four occasions this season. Two of those have come against Rising Pune Supergiant, MI's opponents in today's Qualifier 1 at the Wankhede Stadium.
Rohit Sharma and Co will have to be at their best to stop Pune from entering the May 21 final at Hyderabad, but a lot will depend on how the hosts' bowling attack shapes up on a batting-friendly Wankhede track. However, the loser in this match gets another chance, in the Qualifier 2 at Bangalore on May 19.
<img title="Parthiv Patel" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/may/16Patel.jpg" alt="Parthiv Patel" /> Parthiv Patel
MI's bowling highly depends on pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who is in India's ICC Champions Trophy squad. The Gujarat bowler has been the only one to restrict the flow of runs and grab a few wickets in the death overs. Bumrah's overseas colleagues &mdash; Lasith Malinga and Mitchell McCleneghan &mdash; have to offer some support if they want to exert their influence on Pune's strong batting line-up.
In the spin department, MI veteran Harbhajan Singh needs to use his experience and establish a good partnership with leggie Karn Sharma and left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya. All-rounder Hardik Pandya, a key member of MI, will also need to play a crucial role, both with bat and ball.
<img title="Mumbai Indians didn't spare any sweat at the Wankhede yesterday" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/may/16Malinga.jpg" alt="Mumbai Indians didn't spare any sweat at the Wankhede yesterday" /> Mumbai Indians didn't spare any sweat at the Wankhede yesterday
Though there is not a single MI batsman among this edition's top-10 run getters, the batting looks to be in good nick as compared to its bowling. MI's top scorer Kieron Pollard (362 runs) along with opener Parthiv Patel (325) and skipper Rohit (282) are expected to fire along with fit-again Ambati Rayudu, who scored a half-ton against Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous league game. Nitish Rana (333), who began well in the tournament, may sit out.
RPS have won nine of their 14 games, which includes one home and away win against MI. The side will look slightly uncomfortable with the absence of star England all-rounder Ben Stokes, who has left for international dutyHowever, RPS do have hard-hitting batsmen such as MS Dhoni (240 runs this season) and skipper Steve Smith himself. Rahul Tripathi (388 runs) is one batsman MI can't take lightly. He's in good touch and could pose a problem to the Mumbai bowlers, who can't afford to stray in length.
Pune's bowling will depend on Saurashtra pacer Jaydev Unadkat, who bowled a sensible last over and played a vital role in RPS' three-run win against MI on April 24 at the same venue. Unadkat has picked up 21 wickets so far. It's also an opportunity for another Mumbai pacer in the Pune team &mdash; Shardul Thakur, and young Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa to counter a strong Mumbai batting order.

Rohit Sharma and Co will have to be at their best to stop Pune from entering the May 21 final at Hyderabad, but a lot will depend on how the hosts' bowling attack shapes up on a batting-friendly Wankhede track

IPL 2017: Wankhede pitch is a huge factor for Mumbai vs Pune tie

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Rohit Sharma and Co will have to be at their best to stop Pune from entering the May 21 final at Hyderabad, but a lot will depend on how the hosts' bowling attack shapes up on a batting-friendly Wankhede track

IPL 2017: Wankhede pitch is a huge factor for Mumbai vs Pune tie

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IPL 2017: Wankhede pitch is a huge factor for Mumbai vs Pune tie

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