We are under 36 hours away from the title clash, where Rising Pune Supergiant take on mighty Mumbai Indians at Hyderabad. Mahendra Singh Dhoni will feature in his seventh final, but for the first time as a player and not captain. Steven Smith has had a great run this season. Rising Pune Supergiant has defeated Mumbai Indians three times this season and that is not a record to wipe away. So, going into the final, Rising Pune Supergiant will win it if they follow these steps.
Bat MSD at 4: They have said over and over again that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a far better batsman than one thinks. He is too good a batsman to be batting at 6 or 7. Steven Smith needs to tinker him in the batting order and give him more of a chance to make an impact. One feels, MSD needs more time in the middle to get his eye in.
Counter yorkers and slower balls: There are going to be many yorkers and slower balls bowled tomorrow considering Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah would be in the opposition. It would be advisable for RPS batsman to take a step forward when facing them to counter the yorkers and turn them into full tosses. Batsman should also tune their mind as if they are facing slow bowlers because it seems there will be many slowers for certain.
Win toss and bowl: That has been the norm this year in the Indian Premier League. Teams are more comfortable chasing now-a-days. Toss is not in Smith’s hand but if he wins the toss he should bowl, considering Mahendra Singh Dhoni is one of the best finishers and thrives under pressure. He also has immense experience of playing the finals which will come in handy.
Daaaaamn Daniel… Back at it again with the bowling variations! #RangWahiJungNayi @danchristian54 pic.twitter.com/jBvzm3S5NZ
— RisingPuneSupergiant (@RPSupergiants) May 20, 2017
Maximising Unadkat: Unadkat has had one of the best seasons ever, he has picked wickets at the right times and has been Steven Smith’s go-to man. His overs should be reserved for the backend of the innings as that is where he is most effective. Also, a over in between in the quest of a wicket is acceptable. Unadkat should use his change-ups as a weapon and not get too predictable.
Dan should open: Like KKR, who asked Sunil Narine to open giving him the license to go helter-skelter from ball 1, the change worked wonders for KKR. In a similar way, Daniel Christian should open the batting and hit from ball 1, because if they get off to a rocketing start it could make life much easier for Steve Smith and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, as then they will have the luxury of getting their eye in.
