Rising Pune Supergiant take on Mumbai Indians in the first qualifier of IPL 2017 at the Wankhede stadium with both sides knowing that a win will send them through to Sunday’s final at Hyderabad. Although Pune will be without the services of Imran Tahir and Ben Stokes, they still have a strong side that will look to book a final berth at the first attempt.
Extra Cover: IPL 2017, Qualifier 1, MI vs RPS: Mumbai Indians' probable playing XI against Rising Pune Supergiant
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Here is the probable playing XI for Steve Smith’s side in the Qualifier 1 against Mumbai Indians:
Openers
Ajinkya Rahane
The one big question mark throughout the season for Pune has been the form of Ajinkya Rahane. Although he is one of the most consistent openers in the history of the tournament, he hasn’t done much of note so far in this year’s tournament. The one game in which he did shine was against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede stadium in the opening game of the tournament when he scored a crucial 60 in a run chase against Mumbai Indians. Pune will be hoping that he does the same in qualifier 1.
Rahul Tripathi
Arguably the find of the tournament, Rahul Tripathi has simply taken IPL 2017 by storm ever since he was given the opportunity to open the innings. Although he has three single-digit scores in his last five games, he has still nearly 400 runs to his name in this year’s tournament at an average of 32 and a strike rate in excess of 150 with two fifties. Pune will be hoping that he continues his brilliant debut campaign against Mumbai Indians.
Middle-order
Steve Smith (C)
Two fifties in 13 matches isn't a great return for a batsman of Steve Smith’s quality, who plays at No.3. Although a deeper introspection into the numbers will tell you that he has still scored in excess of 400 runs and only four players have scored more runs than the Australian batsman. An average of 42 and strike rate of just over 120 are a product of the innings that he has had to play in this year’s tournament.
In the absence of Stokes, there will be added pressure on the Australian captain to convert his starts into big scores, which he has managed to do so far in the tournament.
MS Dhoni (WK)
Before the start of the tournament, MS Dhoni was no longer the captain of Rising Pune Supergiant and there was extra pressure on the Indian keeper and what his role in the side was. Already this season, Dhoni has shown glimpses of just what made him one of the best finishers that the game has seen and his sublime work behind the stumps that prove that he is still the best keeper in the world. Pune will count on him in both fronts if they are to beat MI at their own den.
Manoj Tiwary
Ahead of IPL 2017, few would have considered Manoj Tiwary to be an integral part of Pune’s plans. However, the veteran batsman has shown that he can adapt to situations and shown himself to be someone who can not only finish with a flourish but also build an innings if the situation demands it. In Stokes’ absence, he will have to do both and carry an extra burden as well.
All-rounders
Daniel Christian
In the absence of Ben Stokes, all eyes will be on Daniel Christian, who has so far, performed admirably below the radar. Whether it was picking up crucial wickets with the ball or giving the innings the final push, Christian has done both this season. Without the England all-rounder, the Australian will have to take more responsibility with both bat and ball and ensure that they don't miss Stokes.
Washington Sundar
The youngster hasn't had a great deal to do so far in IPL 2017 with the bat but has impressed with the ball. Sundar has kept things quiet at the start and provided his captain with control whenever he has needed it and against a strong batting line-up, he will have to do that and much more.
Spinner
Adam Zampa
After being one of the few bright sparks of Pune’s campaign in IPL 2016, Zampa would have expected to have played a bigger part in this edition of the IPL but the presence of Imran Tahir restricted his appearances. In Tahir’s absence, the Australian leg spinner will be tasked with the responsibility of picking up wickets in the middle and with five wickets in his four games, he certainly is in good form and will be looking to do just that.
Seamers
Jaydev Unadkat
Unadkat has been the pillar of consistency around which the Pune bowling attack has flourished in IPL 2017. The left-arm seamer has picked up at least a wicket in every match this season and has proven himself to be incredibly handy at both the start and the end of the innings. As he showed against Pune, he is no slouch in the field either and Pune will need him to be in top form against a formidable batting line-up.
Shardul Thakur
The Indian youngster will be facing against his Ranji Trophy side in the qualifier and will be looking to continue the impressive form he showed in the last group game against Kings XI Punjab where he finished with his career-best T20 figures. On a good batting surface, his variations and control will be key to restricting the flow of runs.
Lockie Ferguson
The New Zealand pacer may have only played two games for Pune this season but in Stokes’ absence, will come into the side for the crucial clash against MI. The fact that he finished with figures of 4-1-7-2 in his last IPL is a good sign for Pune who will need all their bowlers to be on song if they are to restrict the MI batsmen.
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