Will Sachin Tendulkar play in the final is a question that not only the Mumbai Indians' supporters are asking, but also those who like to see a contest between the best teams. There is no doubt that without the master, Mumbai won't be fielding their best team. Not only is he the skipper, Tendulkar has been the best batsman in the tournament and is the guiding light for the other players. The big plus is that without a major contribution from him with the bat, the team still went on to win the semifinal. This would have instilled confidence in the others that they are good too and reiterated what the skipper has been stressing --- it is not a one-man team and there are others capable of doing the job.

The Chennai Super Kings' supporters would be hoping that Tendulkar doesn't play but knowing Mahendra Singh Dhoni, there is no doubt that he would want Tendulkar to be fit and playing.

Great players relish big occasions for it is on such a stage that they show why they are great. While Tendulkar does not have to prove anything to anybody, the prospect of a title is simply too mouth-watering for him to ignore.