CLT20 2014: Mumbai Indians vs Southern Express - 5 players to watch out for

After losing their respective opening fixtures against Northern Knights and Lahore Lions, both teams face a must-win situation to keep their hopes of qualifying for the main draw of the global T20 tournament alive.While the Southern Express wasted their good start in the rain marred 10-over game against Northern Knights after Kane Williamson’s one-man show in the run chase, Mumbai Indians were left to ponder over the lack of depth in their batting department due to the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma.The need to get first points on board will be the top priority and both teams will be keen to excel in the crucial second game with one to play on Tuesday. These 5 players might be the ones who can provide that match winning performance today.

#1 Michael Hussey

The Australian veteran was included at the cost of the Blackcaps all-rounder Corey Anderson for the first game to lend more stability at the top and might continue for the next game. No introduction needed for his water-proof technique and he’s a proven match-winner in T20s. He enters the competition on the back of some impressive showings in the closing stages of the IPL 2014.

After being dropped during the middle phase of the IPL, Hussey bounced back to make scores of 56, 6, 56, 22 and 39 to ressurect the Mumbai Indians’ wretched form. The Sri Lankan team’s bowling line-up packed with an array of spinners is less likely to pose any significant threat to the left-handed Hussey who can accelerate the innings at his own pace.

With the attack-minded Lendl Simmons as his opening partner, the Mukesh Ambani owned franchise will be expecting the former CSK star to deliver in the important fixture that might pass the verdict on their future in the tournament.