Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh to clash at Wankhede

Sachin Tendulkar has always been a mentor Yuvraj Singh and suddenly the two cricketers find themselves as foes as Mumbai Indians take on Pune Warriors in the Indian Premier League (IPL) here Wednesday.

Singh-led Pune Warriors India are third in the IPL followed by Tendulkar-captained Mumbai Indians, who are fourth.

Mumbai Indians have notched up convincing wins away over Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore, but were stunned by Kochi Tuskers Kerala.

Pune Warriors also won against Kings XI Punjab and Kochi Tuskers before going down to Delhi Daredevils.

At the Wankhede, it will be a battle of equals when the matser and his understudy clashes for the first time.

Meanwhile in Kolkata, Knight Riders find themselves in an unusual position for the first time in three years. With three wins from four matches, Knight Riders are sitting on top of the league table and would like to consolidate their standing when they face Kochi Tuskers.

The clash will also see Knight Riders’s former captain Brendon McCullum, now playing for Kochi, pitted against his former team.

Knight Riders coach coach Dav Whatmore said: “There is significant difference in the two teams of first three years and this time. We have more flexibility, a lot more all-rounders who can do both very well. The biggest thing is that we have wicketkeepers who can bat at the top.”

Whatmore praised Gautam Gambhir for his captaincy skills which he felt has been a major factor in Knight good run in the tournament.

“His leadership skills were proven in the recent ODI series against New Zealand when he captained India. He has got tremendous skills. He is soft spoken but his deeds speak for himself. He is a terrific guy, makes a lot of decision and he is well respected,” the 1996 World Cup winning coach for Sri Lanka said.