IPL - Mumbai v Chennai

Well, this is the moment that many cricket lovers (especially Indians) have been waiting for in the IPL. The long-awaited IPL debut of Sachin Tendulkar, whose dodgy groin is finally right to go. Mumbai have desperately missed Tendulkar and for the most time the side has been floundering near the bottom of the IPL ladder as it has waited for its superstar to finally play. However, with three wins in succession, Mumbai appear to have finally hit their straps and the appearance of Tendulkar will give them even more confidence. Mumbai's batting was hardly tested in their last win - when they bowled Jaipur out for just over 100 - but it will get a sterner test here against a Chennai side which is also in form after wins in its last two matches.

Chennai sits one win off the top of the ladder and needs only probably two more wins to clinch a finals berth. So with both teams hitting their straps  - and with the appearance of Tendulkar - this promises to be a super game. For Mumbai, a lot will obviously rely on Tendulkar but also the new-ball pairing of Shaun Pollock and Ashish Nehra who have been in superb form lately. For Chennai, a lot depends on their two batting big guns in Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni. One thing we are really looking forward to here is watching Muttiah Muralidaran take on Tendulkar, if Muralidaran comes on in the early overs, it will be the case of the world's best spin bowler versus the world's best batsman.

We think Mumbai are just about an irresistible force in this game. Their batting suddenly looks a lot more formidable with Tendulkar in the anchor role - which gives Sanath Jayasuriya, Robin Uthappa, Dominic Thornely and Dwayne Bravo a lot more of a big-hitting license to thrill at the other end. Even if Tendulkar fails here, his mere presence and experience is a huge boost for Mumbai - especially in front of their delirious home crowd.

Chennai's batting looks unmistakenly thin and they will need MS Dhoni to have an enormous game - and Muralidaran to really fire with the ball - to be even a chance here. For Chennai, too much relies on too few and we really want to be on Mumbai here. Mumbai will be on an emotional high with Tendulkar returning, they now have a well balanced side and the home crowd factor is a huge plus. Imagine the reception Tendulkar will get when he walks out to bat!! All roads lead to Mumbai here and we are on Sachin Tendulkar's side for a two unit bet at $1.75 with Sports Acumen.

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