In-form Mumbai Indians enjoy edge over resurgent Super Kings

Mumbai: High on form, Mumbai Indians will take on gutsy Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final here today amid the murky row which has cast a shadow over cricket's biggest money spinner.

Like the two semi-finals, the final match of the cash-rich league has turned into a sideshow with the media spotlight on the scandal circumventing the event.

The title contest promises to be a pot-boiler. After a topsy-turvy league phase, the semi-final line-up was clear only in the penultimate league match, which goes to prove how intensly was it fought. Going by the form book, Mumbai Indians have an upper hand, having qualified for the final with 20 points from 10 wins.

But their captain Sachin Tendulkar, who celebrated his 37th birthday yesterday, is doubtful for the match as he hurt his right hand in the semi-final and received five stitches after splitting a webbing.

Tendulkar has been inspirational on the field and also emerged as the top run scorer with 570 runs at an average of 47.50. Needless to say, Tendulkar's absence will hurt the team.

The young brigade in Mumbai Indians — Saurabh Tiwary, Ambati Rayudu and Shikhar Dhawan — has performed exceptionally well for the team.

Super Kings, on the other hand, have had their ups and downs in the torunament, but Mahendra Singh Dhoni's outfit has the firepower to stand up to Mumbai Indians.

Their batting, however, has not been consistent this year. Murali Vijay at the top of the order has been brilliant in the later half of the tournament, while Suresh Raina is their best batsman with 463 runs.