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Michael Hussey invoked May 26, 2013 after Chennai Super Kings' victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the second Qualifier. The reference was to the last time his team met Mumbai Indians in the IPL final at Eden Gardens. Hussey is hoping for a repeat of the pattern - not the end result - as two of the most high-profile IPL sides clash in the final again.

"In 2013, we beat Mumbai Indians in the first final [Qualifier 1] and went straight through to the final. And they came and beat us in the main one at Kolkata," Hussey said. "So this time they beat us in the first final, and hopefully we can come back and beat them."

Super Kings would like it if their opponents are cold after a four-day break following their win. But Super Kings themselves have stuttered like a jalopy during the latter half of the competition, while Mumbai has razed down every obstacle in sight, winning four of their last five matches, including three in succession.

Super Kings though have found a way to win even when not at their best, like against Royal Challengers on Friday. If they raise their game - as they have always done in the crunch - Mumbai will have a handful. For Mumbai, the key concern will be to sustain the hunger one more time.