IPL 8 MI vs DD: Six players to watch out for

Mumbai: After completing a hat-trick of wins, Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians will look to continue with their winning momentum when they play hosts to JP Duminy and the Dilli boys, the Delhi Daredevils at the Wankhede stadium, in match 39 of the Indian Premier League, here on Tuesday. DD will have to capitalise on the travel weary MI after the Ricky Ponting coached side registered a comprehensive win in Mohali outclassing KXIP by 23 runs.

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For MI, opener Parthiv Patel has found himself amongst the run scorers after scoring his first half-century this season during the last encounter. For DD, star all-rounder Yuvraj Singh is still yet to find some form and his contribution will prove vital to the side. The odds are stacked highly against DD, but there are key players in both sides that can be certain game changers on the day. Let’s have a look.

Mumbai Indians

Rohit Sharma

Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma has been in sublime form this IPL, with his highest score of 98 runs and with impressive stroke display, Rohit has amassed 297 runs already. The elegant batsman poses a huge threat to the opposition and with home advantage, if he gets going, it will be a herculean task for DD to stop him. (Photo: BCCI)

Parthiv Patel

Although one really can’t say Parthiv Patel is back in form after scoring his first half-century against KXIP, it was sure a positive sign for coach Ricky Ponting and Mumbai Indians. The young Parthiv will look to continue his run-scoring at the Wankhede also. (Photo: BCCI)

Mitchell McClenaghan

Kiwi all-rounder Mitchell McClenaghan has been the surprise package in MI’s hat-trick of wins lately. It’s not the bat that has done the talking but McClenaghan has surely impressed with the white ball specially during the match against Rajasthan Royals where he came out with figures of 3-31. His contribution on Tuesday will surely boost MI’s chances of maintaining their winning run. (Photo: BCCI)

Delhi Daredevils

JP Duminy

It looks to be like the battle of the skippers in this encounter and if Rohit’s performance proves vital for MI, then don’t leave out South African all-rounder and DD skipper JP Duminy. The Cape Town cricketer has led from the front in all departments this season and going into this match, Duminy is likely to do the same and ensure his side hope for a chance to qualify for the playoffs. (Photo: BCCI)

Zaheer Khan

After being the only player to appear in the 500^th IPL match, DD will look primarily at left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan to provide Gary Kirsten’s boys with the early breakthrough. With experience in abundance Zac has managed to find some form against KXIP after he emerged with figures of 2-17. (Photo: BCCI)

Yuvraj Singh

Although not being in his greatest form off late, star all-rounder Yuvraj Singh will look at this match to fire and add some runs to DD’s total. Barring the 54 he scored against KXIP early during the league, Yuvi, who can be a threat to bowlers specially during the death overs, will look to rectify his poor average in this encounter. (Photo: BCCI)