Both teams will be under pressure: Wessels

15th May 2008

Chennai Super Kings coach Kepler Wessels considers that his team as well as Mumbai Indians will be under pressure to perform in their second clash at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May 14.

While speaking at a pre-match press conference, Wessels pointed out that it is a crucial match for both sides. He mentioned that the Mumbai team will need to win to keep going in the tournament whereas Chennai will want to win in order to move to the next stage.

"They (Mumbai Indians) lost their first four matches. They are on a good row now that they have won three. They are going to try and win to keep going in the tournament. So they are under pressure," he said.

"We are also under pressure. We want to try and win as quickly as we can so that we can be secure about a place in the latter stage of the tournament," he added.

Sachin Tendulkar will be playing his first match in the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL). When quizzed about the tactical approach for containing the master blaster, Wessels replied, "We have a strategy for every player and I think our players are looking forward to play against this team. It is always a privilege to play against one of the best players in the world."

"It is a significant challenge. All of them are world class players. We have done well as far as batting and bowling is concerned in the competition. We have also faced some very good players all the way through but they will try to be on the top of the game," he added.

Tendulkar's presence is not only expected to boost Mumbai's batting line-up but his role as captain may also do well for the team.

"Captaincy in Twenty20 is very important. The teams that have done well so far have had good captains. Obviously Sachin is a very experienced player. He has been out of action for a long time as well and I am sure he will be looking forward too," Wessels stated.