A convenient option would be to dwell on Sachin Tendulkar vs Glenn McGrath. But with Tendulkar expected to miss tomorrow’s game, newer avenues need to be explored. Those exclusively tuned to international cricket may be unaware, but domestic regulars see this game as the platform for quite an enthralling duel between two players with a past.

Virender Sehwag is the high-profile Daredevils skipper, but during the last domestic season, he was a batsman trying to find his rhythm in cricket’s hinterlands. During his period of crisis, Sehwag often came across the gritty Mumbai all-rounder Abhishek Nayar, trying to break into the national squad, and somehow constantly getting under the skin of the star.

Sparks might fly

Ask Nayar if sparks are expected to fly at the DY Patil Stadium tomorrow and he gives a tame smile. “Let’s see, there is no point in speaking on such issues,” he says.

Round One between the two was at the Challenger Trophy one-dayers in Ahmedabad. For Nayar, it was a big moment since a place in the India Green squad was a reward for his consistent show in the Ranji Trophy. Being in the India Blue was important for Sehwag too, since the team for the one-dayers was to be selected at the end of the tournament.

So when Nayar came on to bowl, Sehwag hit 24 runs in his first over. His eventual score of 75 helped Sehwag graduate from India Blues to Man in Blue. Nayar, meanwhile, was ruing the missed chance. “Had I performed well there, things would have been different. It was a really bad blow, he hit me all around and seriously it rattled me,” said Nayar.

Later, Sehwag came to the Wankhede for Round II. In that crucial Mumbai vs Delhi Ranji game, Sehwag got Nayar. But the Mumbai all-rounder stuck back and had Sehwag caught behind. Few words were exchanged after Nayar had an exaggerated celebration for the wicket.

“It was a big relief. His wicket really boosted my confidence,” recalled Nayar. Sehwag hasn’t forgotten Nayar’s celebration as he has told members of Nayar’s West Zone team that played Deodhar Trophy.

Interestingly, the last clash between the two, just before the IPL began, was at DY Patil. Round III was during the corporate T20 game and Nayar won it on points. “I slammed three fours and a six in his over but later he slammed 34-ball 100 and my team lost,” said the Mumbai Indians left-hander.

It is evident that Nayar can’t match Sehwag’s amazing run in the IPL, but the prospect of cornering his old foe in his backyard might be tempting.

IPL venue may shift

Two IPL matches scheduled for May 14 and 16 at the D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai are likely to be shifted to the Wankhede Stadium in South Mumbai, according to Cricket Board sources.

“The matches scheduled at D Y Patil on May 14 and 16 are likely to be shifted to the Wankhede Stadium,” the sources said. “The Mumbai franchise owners (Reliance Industries) want them to be shifted and the D Y Patil authorities do not have any objections,” they added.