IPL 2017: Match 2: RPS Vs MI: Players to watch out for

Faf du Plessis (RPS)

The South African skipper couldn't do much for his franchise in the last year's IPL season 9 after he was ruled out of the tournament due to injury, early on.

Du Plessis is likely to open the RPS innings tonight and looking at the kind of explosive batsman he is, Pune fans would be hoping he explodes.

Steve Smith (RPS)

The skipper would be the another Pune cricketer to watch out for in tonight's game.

It will be the first occasion when Smith will lead the Pune franchise after team's baton was passed on towards him.

Smith was in brilliant form in the previous season before being ruled out of the series.

MS Dhoni (RPS)

MS Dhoni is one of the biggest names in the IPL and he's the biggest crowd puller for the franchise.

He may have been removed as the captain of the franchise, following team's poor show in the previous season, but Dhoni's popularity hasn't waned one bit.

Dhoni, may not be bothered about what critics say about him but the senior India cricketer would be eager to silence his critics with his batting.

Ben Stokes (RPS)

All eyes would be on this England all-rounder after was bought for a whopping Rs 14.5 crore in the IPL auction.

Stokes' performance with both the bat and ball will be equated with his hefty pay package.

Stokes will be making his IPL debut tonight and the swashbuckler would hope to make his first game a memorable one.

Rohit Sharma (MI)

The charismatic skipper of the Mumbai Indians will strengthen the middle order of his team in the tournament.

Coming from an injury, Rohit would be eager to get into the grooves and fans would expect him to score big in the first game to set the tone of the tournament.

Mumbai have done exceptionally well under Rohit's watch and fans would be hoping their favourite cricketer starts his campaign with a bang.

Keiron Pollard (MI)

Considered most lethal T20 batsmen Keiron Pollard will be another weapon in the Mumbai Indians' arsenal as they meet Pune Supergiant.

Ever since his entry into the MI squad, the Trinidad batsman and pacer has established himself as an asset.

Jos Buttler (MI)

The 26-year-old wicketkeeper batsman from England is another explosive batsman in the Mumbai Indians arsenal.

Butter is capable of playing big shots and sending the ball towards boundary ropes. He gave a glimpse of his brilliance on a few occasions in the previous season.

Jasprit Bumrah (MI)

Jasprit Bumrah has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians' squad ever since his debut for the franchise.

His ability to bowl yorkers at will earned him a spot in the Indian national side which helped him become a household name. Fans expect opposition wickets will perish whenever he bowls and tonight's game won't be any different.