CLT20 2014: Mumbai Indians vs Southern Express - 5 players to watch out for

After losing their respective opening fixtures against Northern Knights and Lahore Lions, both teams face a must-win situation to keep their hopes of qualifying for the main draw of the global T20 tournament alive.While the Southern Express wasted their good start in the rain marred 10-over game against Northern Knights after Kane Williamson’s one-man show in the run chase, Mumbai Indians were left to ponder over the lack of depth in their batting department due to the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma.The need to get first points on board will be the top priority and both teams will be keen to excel in the crucial second game with one to play on Tuesday. These 5 players might be the ones who can provide that match winning performance today.

#1 Michael Hussey

The Australian veteran was included at the cost of the Blackcaps all-rounder Corey Anderson for the first game to lend more stability at the top and might continue for the next game. No introduction needed for his water-proof technique and he’s a proven match-winner in T20s. He enters the competition on the back of some impressive showings in the closing stages of the IPL 2014.

After being dropped during the middle phase of the IPL, Hussey bounced back to make scores of 56, 6, 56, 22 and 39 to ressurect the Mumbai Indians’ wretched form. The Sri Lankan team’s bowling line-up packed with an array of spinners is less likely to pose any significant threat to the left-handed Hussey who can accelerate the innings at his own pace.

With the attack-minded Lendl Simmons as his opening partner, the Mukesh Ambani owned franchise will be expecting the former CSK star to deliver in the important fixture that might pass the verdict on their future in the tournament.

#2 Ambati Rayudu

Even though the right-hander failed in his attempted big shot early in the innings against Lions on Saturday, Rayudu can build on from his good ODI form in England where he scored a couple of fine half-centuries for India. A decent opening partnership might give the Indian some much needed breathing space to have a go at the bowling.

The Hyderabadi right hander had a disappointing match at Egdbaston some fortnights ago when his captain refused singles to the ‘in form’ specialist batsman in the T20I against England. The struggling Mumbai Indians will be looking up for the experienced middle-order batsman to deliver against the Islanders and will be looking to send a message to his national captain on his six-hitting credentials.

The 28-year-old holds a prominant place in the batting line-up that is desperately looking for individuals to fire on all cylinders to take home some points. With a classical approach to his batting, Rayudu can provide that spark.

#3 Kusal Perera

The Sri Lankan opener showed glimpses of form in his brief knock of 37 from just 20 deliveries the other night and can take the game away from the opposition in very quick time. However, the left-hander is known for his highly risk-taking strokeplay in the powerplay and can turn into an utter flop at times.

Often compared to the former Sri Lankan great Sanath Jayasuriya for his wristy, unorthodox shots, the wicket-keeper batsman can set the stage on fire with lighting fast scoring against the new ball. The couple of boundaries of Tim Southee, albeit off poor deliveries showed that he can play some attractive shots in between. His battle against the Mumbai new ball bowlers will set the tone for the rest of the match.

#4 Seekkuge Prasanna

The leg-spinning all-rounder had a poor outing against the Knights and should be looking forward to make up for the lost ground. The ‘handy hitter’ was promoted in the rain-hit match but was run-out for 7 and conceded 14 runs in his one over. The 29-year-old who hit a whirlwind knock of 36 off 17 deliveries in the Eliminator of the Super 4’s T20 tournament could provide the impetus in the all-important fixture for his team.

With the ball, he might relish the weakened Mumbai Indians batting order that puts up below average performances whenever Keiron Pollard fails. And with no potential threats (read aggression) other than the West Indian in the middle-order, means Prasanna’s leg-breaks can be a wicket-taking option for his captain.

#5 Praveen Kumar

The 27-year-old bowled a controlled spell of 3 overs 0/15 against the Lions in a losing cause and should repeat the same if Mumbai are to qualify. After adding a valuable 20 off 14 balls with the bat he shows some promise at the tail incase the batting order folds again.

With Southern Express being heavily reliant on the opening stand, some early inroads from Kumar will do a world of good to Mumbai Indians’ chances. The left-handed opener Perera might not enjoy facing the former Indian seamer first-up and might fall prey to his outswingers from over the wicket.

Normally is very effective with the new ball and can always add a couple of breakthroughs with his swing early in the innings. Operates at a ‘striclty’ medium pace and still manages to fool the batsmen with movements off the pitch.