08 May,2009 08:36 AM IST | | Sanjjeev K Samyal
African jungle is considered the most fierce battleground where only the might survive.
The local folklore has always been famous for the talk about the Big Fiveu00a0 Lion, Rhino, Buffalo, Elephant and the Leopard. They are the most powerful animals and the most difficult to hunt on foot. Hence, the term Big Five.
South Africa simply is not a place for the lesser lights. In cricket, the same is proving to be true.
The 2009 Indian Premier League is about real class and quality. As Mumbai Indians look to salvage their stuttering campaign, the onus is on their stalwarts to be counted and deliver.
It's not about the bits-and-pieces players but about their Big Five Sachin Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuirya, JP Duminy, Dwayne Bravo and Harbhajan Singh will have to stand up and be counted.
Languishing
Two of their three wins have come against bottom-placed Kolkata Knight Riders but there will be no easy games from here on. Languishing on the seventh spot on the points table, they have to go for the big kill to survive. One of their biggest test is today when they take on the might of the in-form Delhi Daredevils at the Buffalo Park.
They can seek inspiration from their win against last year's finalists Chennai Super Kings side in their opening encounter at Newlands.
On the eve of the match, coach Shaun Pollock said: "We don't want to be lagging behind at No 7. We need two consecutive wins to put our campaign back on track. We want to be second or in third position."u00a0
Wanted: Inspiration
He admitted his team will be looking for inspiration and runs from their two legends u2013 Tendulkar and Jayasuriya. They have to dig deep into their vast experience to pull the team out of the rut.
The inconsistency of the middle order has hurt the Mumbai team badly. Bravo and Harbhajan have been below par and it has no helped either.
Local star JP has been only silver lining for Mumbai. But the left-hand batsman has not got the support from the other end.
In the last match too, his fine half-century was in vain as the lower order fell apart in pressure. "JP has been bating brilliantly but we are losing too many wickets which puts too much pressure on him," Pollock said
The pressure is on. It is time for the big guns to take centrestage.
