On Sunday, Mumbai Indians will take on the Rising Pune Supergiants for the second time this season. The new outfit will be playing their last home match for this season against the defending champions. RPS won their first match of the season, comprehensively beating MI at the Wankhede stadium, leaving the home team with plenty to think about.

The hosts were shocked and shackled by RPS’ bowling as they were restricted to 121/8. MI struggled against the RPS attack and thanks to a cameo from Harbhajan Singh 45*(30) managed to cross the three figure mark. For RPS, Ajinkya Rahane scored 66 off 42 balls, taking the Supergiants to their maiden IPL victory.

Since then RPS have put on a mediocre performance throughout this IPL and things haven’t been going their way. With injuries to key players from the playing XI including Kevin Pietersen and Faf du Plessis the team combination hasn’t exactly clicked for Dhoni’s new team. Perhaps being a new side, they are yet to find the right balance in their team. The Pune team can take some positivity from their batting, but the inconsistency in the bowling department is something that they will be looking to change. Ajinkya Rahane has been anchoring the innings well at the top and Steve Smith has scored a scintillating 100 in a losing cause in their previous match against the Gujarat Lions. Thisara Perera and Dhoni too have played their part, with quick-fire cameos throughout the tournament so far.. RPS’ bowling is a sign of concern as they are leaking runs and are unable to sustain pressure on the opposition, which has resulted in just two wins from seven matches.

The clash can’t get any more native as the Maharashtra derby will be held on Maharashtra day. RPS will face the music as the defending champs are in red-hot form. They are coming into this game with two convincing wins which have propelled them to third position on the points table. One of the biggest positives for MI is that their batting order looks more stable and solid now. MI’s combinations have clicked and when there is an opportunity, individual’s are putting their hands up and are taking the required responsibility to bring the team home.. They have gone on to become the wholesome unit which won the trophy last year. It will be thrilling to see how MI go on from here and perform through the rest of the tournament leading to the playoffs.