The speculation over captaincy was triggered after Shaun Pollock addressed the media. Shaun Pollock said the physio would take a decision on whether Sachin Tendulkar plays or not. Tendulkar’s absence was a big disappointment to Mumbai fans, and things look bad for them still.

Pollock also said the presence of all rounders was the strength of the Mumbai Indians, but added the presence of a number of left handers in the Chennai Super Kings team makes it a difficult proposition to bowl to them.

Sachin Tendulkar is unlikely to play in Mumbai Indians’ clash against Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday, giving a slight edge to the host team. There are rumours that in the match of Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings captained by Dhoni, Shaun Pollock may lead the side instead of Harbhajan Singh.

For Mumbai Indians also there is some good news as West Indian al rounder Dwayne Bravo has joined the team. Dwayne Bravo will replace Dominic Thornley, who was hit by a Zaheer Khan delivery.

It also seems, Mumbai Indians may replace Pinal Shah with Under-19 sensation Saurabh Tiwary, but a final word is not out.

The pitch at the Chennai venue promises to have a truckload of runs.

Shaun Pollock is one among the former test players who have joined the IPL. Recently Pollock retired from international cricket with the Proteas.

The 34-year-old Shaun Pollock has joined the Mumbai Indians team owned by businessman Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance. Loots Bosman, a former player in Proteas team, Harbhajan Singh, Sachin Tendulkar and Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya are the other prominent players playing for Mumbai Indians.

Shaun Pollock is relishing the chance he has gotten to play with Sachin Tendulkar.

Pollock says, “I’m really looking forward to it. I’m particularly looking forward to playing with my friend Sachin Tendulkar in India after a lifetime spent playing against him.”

Pollock will join the Twenty20 competition in England starting from June 2008. Dale Benkenstein, a former player in Dolphins team will also join for the same. During the England-South Africa Test and one-day international series held between July and September, pollock will commentate for Sky Sports.

Ashish Nehra was not in the list of contracted players.

The lanky fast bowler had practically vanished from public memory. Nehra last played for India in September 2005. He has not featured in the recent Ranji games either. The other bowlers in the Mumbai Indians IPL team are Shaun Pollock, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando and Mumbai’s Abhishek Nayar. Would IPL become a lifeline for Nehra?

Delhi Daredevils also had a keen interest in Ashish Nehra, but top dollar sealed the matter for Reliance-promoted Mumbai Indians.

At least, IPL and ICL together have brought a lot of players who were languishing just one level below the national team back into the spotlight. Good for them.