IPL: One-time mates ready to spar

After recording a thrilling win over Deccan Chargers on Monday, Mumbai Indians are back at home.

They take on Rajasthan Royals, a side that has looked a cut above the rest. The two teams have had contrasting starts.

Rajasthan are already looking like Shane Warne’s army of 2008: indomitable and fearless. Mumbai, on the other hand, drubbed Chennai Super Kings, suffered a battling malfunction against Pune Warriors, and prevailed against the Chargers — courtesy Rohit Sharma’s heroics.

Rajasthan, as they usually do, are only too willing to pass the tag of favourites to the other side. “We are the underdogs,” said Johan Botha. “We started the competition that way, and winning straight two games is a boost to our young side,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wednesday’s contest has two delicious sub-plots. This is an away game for Ajinkya Rahane and Ankeet Chavan who play for Mumbai all season. Chavan did acknowledge the irony of it.

But it’s not just state teammates Rohit Sharma and Rahane/Chavan who’re on the opposite side of the fence. West Indians Kevon Cooper (for Rajasthan) and Kieron Pollard (for Mumbai), too, will be involved in a battle of wits. Cooper said, “I am great friends with Kieron Pollard, he is like a brother to me. So any day we play each other, it is war on the cricket field.”

Sachin Tendulkar is unlikely to play, though a call will be taken before the game.