The champions of the second season hit a slippery rope and finished a woeful seventh in the 2011 version of the IPL. The team's strategy for this season bordered on the confusion as they let go Pragyan Ojha, their highest wicket taker across four seasons as well as another prize catch in Kevin Pietersen. Led by Kumar Sangakkara, the Chargers will have to dig deep into their resources if they are to repeat the heroics of 2009.
STRENGTHS:
Led by the affable Sangakkara, the batting looks to be in good shape despite the absence of Pietersen. Sangakkara will be joined by JP Duminy and Cameron White to bolster a strong looking middle-order. Parthiv Patel was an excellent buy in the 2012 auctions as he can double up as an opener as well as a keeper. Shikhar Dhawan has represented India in the ODI format of the game and will know that a good showing in the IPL will enhance his credentials. Darren Bravo and Daniel Harris are the two exciting new additions to the batting department and both have shown that they can prosper in Indian conditions. Daniel Christian provides the late burst with the bat.
Despite the absence of Ishant Sharma, the Chargers have the fire-power in the bowling with Dale Steyn as the leader of the pack. Amit Mishra is all set to be the prime spinner and he will need to perform the role of the lead spinner. Deccan has strengthened their bowling arsenal with a host of talented young domestic performers who will look to seek limelight with their on-field performances.
WEAKNESSES:
The loss of proven performers like Pietersen and Ojha is bound to hit the Chargers hard. Ojha is one of the leading wicket takers across the four previous seasons and it was inexplicable that they let him go. The Chargers were involved in a fierce battle for the all-round skills of Ravindra Jadeja in the IPL auctions and seemed to lack focus once they lost him to Chennai Super Kings. With very little international quality in their domestic ranks, the team from Hyderabad will be hard-pressed against tougher opponents. To add to their woes, some of their big ticket foreign players are struggling for form while their record at the Rajiv Gandhi international stadium is a matter of concern.
BEST PLAYER:
Dale Steyn - The world's best pace bowler, Steyn will need to lead the Chargers bowling line-up almost single-handedly. The lanky south African is a feared name in international circles with even the best of the batsmen unsure against him. His exploits for South Africa and the Bangalore franchisee were enough for the Chargers to bid an astronomical USD 1.2m in the 2011 auctions, easily the highest for a bowler. Deccan Chargers will be hoping that he lives up to expectations as they seek a second title.
PLAYER to WATCH OUT FOR:
Cameron White - On his day, White can dispatch any bowler to the cleaners, but unfortunately he has been a pale shadow of himself in the recent past. Bought for USD 1.1m in the 2011 auctions after a bidding war, White had an average time in season four as his form mirrored that of his team. He struggled even in the domestic Big Bash for the Melbourne Stars and promptly was axed as Australia's T20 captain and lost his place in the squad. With the World T20 tournament looming large, White has the opportunity to present his case with a good showing in the fifth season of the IPL.
NEW PLAYERS:
Parthiv Patel, Daniel Harris, Darren Bravo, Tanmay Mishra
ABSENTEES:
Pragyan Ojha, Kevin Pietersen and Michael Lumb.
DC IN IPL:
STRENGTHS:
Led by the affable Sangakkara, the batting looks to be in good shape despite the absence of Pietersen. Sangakkara will be joined by JP Duminy and Cameron White to bolster a strong looking middle-order. Parthiv Patel was an excellent buy in the 2012 auctions as he can double up as an opener as well as a keeper. Shikhar Dhawan has represented India in the ODI format of the game and will know that a good showing in the IPL will enhance his credentials. Darren Bravo and Daniel Harris are the two exciting new additions to the batting department and both have shown that they can prosper in Indian conditions. Daniel Christian provides the late burst with the bat.
Despite the absence of Ishant Sharma, the Chargers have the fire-power in the bowling with Dale Steyn as the leader of the pack. Amit Mishra is all set to be the prime spinner and he will need to perform the role of the lead spinner. Deccan has strengthened their bowling arsenal with a host of talented young domestic performers who will look to seek limelight with their on-field performances.
WEAKNESSES:
The loss of proven performers like Pietersen and Ojha is bound to hit the Chargers hard. Ojha is one of the leading wicket takers across the four previous seasons and it was inexplicable that they let him go. The Chargers were involved in a fierce battle for the all-round skills of Ravindra Jadeja in the IPL auctions and seemed to lack focus once they lost him to Chennai Super Kings. With very little international quality in their domestic ranks, the team from Hyderabad will be hard-pressed against tougher opponents. To add to their woes, some of their big ticket foreign players are struggling for form while their record at the Rajiv Gandhi international stadium is a matter of concern.
BEST PLAYER:
Dale Steyn - The world's best pace bowler, Steyn will need to lead the Chargers bowling line-up almost single-handedly. The lanky south African is a feared name in international circles with even the best of the batsmen unsure against him. His exploits for South Africa and the Bangalore franchisee were enough for the Chargers to bid an astronomical USD 1.2m in the 2011 auctions, easily the highest for a bowler. Deccan Chargers will be hoping that he lives up to expectations as they seek a second title.
PLAYER to WATCH OUT FOR:
Cameron White - On his day, White can dispatch any bowler to the cleaners, but unfortunately he has been a pale shadow of himself in the recent past. Bought for USD 1.1m in the 2011 auctions after a bidding war, White had an average time in season four as his form mirrored that of his team. He struggled even in the domestic Big Bash for the Melbourne Stars and promptly was axed as Australia's T20 captain and lost his place in the squad. With the World T20 tournament looming large, White has the opportunity to present his case with a good showing in the fifth season of the IPL.
NEW PLAYERS:
Parthiv Patel, Daniel Harris, Darren Bravo, Tanmay Mishra
ABSENTEES:
Pragyan Ojha, Kevin Pietersen and Michael Lumb.
DC IN IPL:
| Played | Won | Lost | Tie | NR | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 25 | 35 | - | - | 42 |
TOURNAMENT HISTORY:
| Year | Position |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 8th position |
| 2009 | Winners |
| 2010 | Semi-finalists |
| 2011 | 7th position |
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