IPL 2017: Match 2: RPS Vs MI: Likely player battles

Steve Smith Vs Jasprit Bumrah

Newly appointed Rising Pune Supergiant captain Steve Smith will have an uphill task to improve the performance of the side. Along with captaincy, Smith also one of the most important batsmen in the Pune squad. He will be up against India international fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah who has very impressive record in limited overs cricket.

MS Dhoni Vs Harbhajan Singh

This battle will surely grab several eyeballs as the two veterans of Indian cricket go face to face. Without the burden of captaincy, Rising Pune Supergiant will expect a stellar performance from batsman MS Dhoni. Harbhajan too is one of the most lethal weapons in the Mumbai Indians Arsenal.

Rohit Sharma Vs Ashok Dinda

Mumbai Indians captain and India international Rohit Sharma is back in action. For the past couple of month, the Mumbai lad had to stay out due to an injury and then a surgery. But Sharma is back and lot is expected from the skipper. He will be up against Pune's fiery and experienced seam bowler Ashok Dinda.

Kieron Pollard Vs Adam Zampa

The old warhorse of Mumbai Indian Kieron Pollard is a lethal and har-hitting batsman who holds the capability of single-handedly winning matches for his team. The West Indian, on Thursday, will be up against young Australian spin bowler Adam Zampa. In absence of Ravichandran Ashwin, Zampa is expected to rise up the occasion and perform.

Ben Stokes Vs Lasith Malinga

Ben Stokes is the biggest addition to the Rising Pune Supergiant squad at least on paper. He is highest paid cricketer in the history of the tournament and thus, the expectations will be huge. The Englishman will be up against Mumbai Indians' lethal fast bowler and Sri Lankan international Lasith Malinga.