Mumbai: All eyes will be on the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL) final as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) square off against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). While the limelight will be on the big-match players, these underrated stars could spark a major surprise at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
Yusuf Pathan
The most experienced of the lot, Yusuf Pathan on his day can change the game only in a matter of few overs. Despite not being able to contribute with the ball this season given SRH’s bowling depth, his hard-hitting at the death could provide a good cushion in the middle. The Baroda all-rounder has been in three IPL finals (Rajasthan Royals -1, Kolkata Knight Riders – 2) and won all of them.
Ravindra Jadeja
Has so far endured a quiet season by his standards but there is no doubting his match-winning abilities. With the squads for the upcoming tour of Ireland and England already announced, Jadeja will be aiming to prove his case to the selectors one last time.
Wriddhiman Saha
Promoted at the top in recent times, Wriddhiman Saha has not fired up yet but this could well prove to be his final chance. Overcoming the pace duo of Lungi Ngidi and Deepak Chahar will be the key in the powerplay and if Saha does that, it could ease the much-needed pressure of Kane Williamson.
Harbhajan Singh
With only 7 scalps this season, the veteran spinner has proved to be ineffective as part of MS Dhoni’s plans. But his experience and versatility could play a big factor in Sunday’s final.
Harbhajan has also been promoted up the order on a couple of occasions, where the Jalandhar bowler has displayed his ability to play the big shots. He has won three titles already with the Mumbai Indians but can he do it again, this time, in yellow colours?
