IPL 2019: Mumbai Indians players get ready for the summit clash

Ahead of the Indian Premier League final, Mumbai Indians had an optional practice session at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday.

Published : May 11, 2019 20:51 IST , Hyderabad

Mumbai Indians batsman, Suryakumar Yadav, at the nets in Hyderabad on Saturday.
Mumbai Indians batsman, Suryakumar Yadav, at the nets in Hyderabad on Saturday.
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Mumbai Indians batsman, Suryakumar Yadav, at the nets in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Ahead of the Indian Premier League final, Mumbai Indians had an optional practice session at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday.

The players, who arrived in batches, started with a round of football as coach Mahela Jayawardene and his assistant, Robin Singh, headed straight to the centre wicket to carry out their inspection.

Opener Quinton de Kock quickly got to business in the outer nets, facing rookie spinners. The bowlers were instructed to mix up the deliveries and bowl at pre-decided lengths.

The southpaw then took his time before unleashing the big shots. Given the spin-heavy Chennai Super Kings bowling line-up, it wasn't a surprise to see de Kock sharpening his skills.

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Yuvraj Singh sweated it out at the nets.

He pulled anything bowled short, caressed the offside when width was on offer and didn’t shy away from using his feet to some flighted ones. The South African also, occasionally, had a word with the net bowlers and asked them to bowl in the areas he wanted to practice on.

Given de Kock's commitment at the nets, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him in full flow on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the football session culminated and the players split themselves to different areas of the ground. While some indulged in catching practice, Hardik Pandya faced the quicks on the wicket adjacent to the 22-yards, which would be used on Sunday.

Leg spinner Rahul Chahar then got going and sent down two dozen deliveries on target.

READ: MI has slight edge over CSK, says Kumble

Soon, Yuvraj Singh, who hasn't got enough match practice in the league, took throwdowns from Robin Singh. He looked in no discomfort as he middled the balls clean. Given his comfort against spin, it would be an interesting decision if Yuvraj gets the nod in the playing XI on Sunday.

Meanwhile the heavens opened up with a drizzle and it grew heavier as time progressed.

While Hyderabad has been sweating it out with relentless heat during the day, the Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms for Saturday and Sunday.

While the final can go on for an extended period of close to two hours, in case of rain, a reserve day on Monday is also available.

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