MS Dhoni will need to step up for the RPS middle order strength in the absence of Ben Stokes.

Rising Pune Supergiant have managed to win against Mumbai Indians in both the league matches this season. Today table toppers Mumbai Indians get ready to take on 2nd place Rising Pune Supergiant at the Wankhede Stadium on May 16 in Mumbai. 

It was hence a bit of a surprise when RPS found themselves four wickets down for just 42 runs in a matter of less than 6 overs. Ben Stokes and MS Dhoni were in the middle. Dhoni had scored a half century just a few matches before then but was experiencing patchy form otherwise.

Stokes had at that point been unable to get a big score. The two got the crumbling RPS house back in order. While Dhoni departed, Stokes carried on, rallying the side to a five wicket win and scoring a century himself.

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The former Indian captain is regarded as one of the greatest finishers in the game. What has often been overlooked is that Dhoni would be the one to come to the crease and block one end of the wicket before going berzerk in the final overs. That is something that RPS will need if their top order fail to make an impact against the mighty Mumbai Indians.

Rising Pune Supergiant have the most number of match winning players among all the teams in IPL. Ajinkya Rahane and Rahul Tripathi can provide quick starts, creating pressure early on for the bowlers. The middle order is a strong combination of experience and quality with the likes of Steve Smith, MS Dhoni, Ben Stokes and Manoj Tiwary which have the ability to chase any target when performing at their best.

This season, he may have not been able to be consistent with the bat but it is to be remembered that Dhoni has played a few crucial knocks. They may not have been big totals but they were what RPS needed at the time. The greatest players do act up in big match situation and, for Dhoni and RPS, no match is bigger than their upcoming playoff against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.