Mumbai's not-so-secret weapons

At training, Lasith Malinga was knocking the base of the stumps at training with his pin-point yorkers. There was no run-up though, just slinging that arm from the crease. Barely about 10 deliveries in, he stopped. That was enough for him. Malinga is ready for the final.

In two IPL finals Mumbai have played, he went wicketless, 0-33 in 2010 when they lost, and 2 for 22 in 2013 when they became champions. Despite all the questions posed about his fitness and speed, Malinga has soldiered on with unerring accuracy and a smile.

This season Malinga has taken even more responsibility, assisting Mumbai captain Rohit Sharma with the right field placements, and has even been insistent at times considering his experience in working out a batsman's strengths and weaknesses.

Malinga's presence has motivated his bowling partners. New Zealand seamer Mitchell McCleneghan has been given the freedom to operate in his aggressive fashion and the pair have been one the most dominant new-ball combinations this season.

If Rohit Sharma scores 15 runs in the final, he will become only the second batsmen after Virat Kohli to score 500-plus runs against Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.

His battle with R Ashwin is likely to be key to the outcome of the match. In 11 innings, Rohit has been tied down to 51 runs from 70 balls and been dismissed once as well. He will take heart from being back in a venue he likes - the last time Rohit played at Eden Gardens, he missed out on a century by just two runs, against Kolkata Knight Riders in the tournament opener.

On the eve of the final, his second as the captain, Rohit sat quietly and observed Ponting administer drills at the training nets about 50 metres away. Despite the distance, Rohit kept a close eye on proceedings. Known to get emotional in tense situations, here he was sitting alone in a corner away from the dugout. His batting has not performed to the desired standards, but it is clear Rohit wants to win.

In Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya, Mumbai have the firepower to accelerate in the final six overs.

Pollard is the main threat for in addition to his quiver including brute strength, he has added a coating of patience to his bow. He showed he can come in early and bat deep in a must-win game against Knight Riders. He stuck to his captain's instructions of knuckling down and although 33 not out from 38 balls does not say much on paper, it was one of the major reasons Mumbai finished as winners.

Pandya has acknowledged Pollard's contribution in helping him stay strong and pick the right moment and the right ball and right shot to ease off the pressure. It is too early to predict Pandya's future, but for the moment he has the support of his seniors including Mumbai coach Ricky Ponting. If the two Mr Ps decide to tango, Super Kings will not have an easy night.

Eden Gardens is where Harbhajan Singh has scripted historic Test victories for India. He lost his place to Ashwin two years ago but has come back for the one-off Test against Bangladesh. The final will be another opportunity for Harbhajan to prove who the best spinner in the IPL is.

He has been impressive, finding drift and delivering at a slower pace which has made him an attacking option this season. A far cry from the defensive lines he resorted to in the past when batsman took him on. His twin dismissals of Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni in a single over in the first Qualifier put Mumbai in the final straightaway. Harbhajan and Mumbai would be happy with an encore.

Mumbai will be waging this battle on behalf of Ricky Ponting, who has never lost a big final in his playing days. Speak to any Mumbai player and he will tell you that their coach has inspired him within a matter of seconds. Ponting's message has been clear from the outset: put yourself on the line not just for yourself, but for your team-mates also. Successful Australian teams built a strong bond under strong leaders like Ponting and he is at it again in the Mumbai dressing room.

MS Dhoni is known for his strategy but Ponting will be alert to the Super Kings captain's every move. Ponting v Dhoni. Super Sunday at the Eden does not get better.