Centurion, May 5 (Inditop) Both Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians will be hungry for a win when they meet in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Centurion Park here Wednesday.
Deccan Chargers’ honeymoon at the top in the IPL is over. A 78-run loss against Chennai Super Kings has dislodged the Deccan Chargers from the top spot. After four consecutive wins early on in the league, Deccan Chargers had made themselves one of the top contenders for the title, but it seems that they have lost the way with three losses on the trot.
For Mumbai Indians, it has been a topsy-turvy ride. From the seven matches they have played so far, they have won three and lost three but still are one of the contenders for the title.
In their last match against Bangalore Royal Challengers, Mumbai Indians were comprehensively beaten by the Royal Challengers by nine wickets. Mumbai Indians have a formidable batting line-up and an equally strong bowling unit but against Deccan Chargers they will have a tough task.
The loss against Super Kings is likely going to charge up the Deccan Chargers. Coach Darren Lehman said that it was time for the Deccan Chargers to get down to basics.
“It is a matter of getting down to the basics. Once you get the fundamentals right other things will follow. The team has shown great spirit. The energy level has been unbelievable. Our training sessions should prove that. In a tournament like this it is very important to forget what had happened last night,” said Lehman.
Monday night Deccan Chargers top-order completely failed and it was the main reason behind their loss to Super Kings. Against a formidable Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack, Deccan Chargers can’t afford to make such mistakes.
“We have been working on all aspects of our game and do not wish to take things for granted. There will be areas where we will have to improve and they are being addressed from time to time,” Lehman added.
A big innings from skipper Adam Gilchrist or Herschelle Gibbs can turn things around for Deccan Chargers.
“It does pay to take the pace of the ball and at the same time there is very little margin for error. Any plan to go well has to be followed by proper execution and I am happy the players are trying to do that,” said Gilchrist.
Though Deccan Chargers’ bowling looks good, the absence of Fidel Edwards will pinch them. The West Indies fast bowler, who had been a miser in this tournament, has flown to England for the Test series starting Wednesday and his absence was clearly felt against the Super Kings.
The last time both the teams met, Deccan Chargers had the last laugh winning the match by 12 runs. Now it is to be seen whether Mumbai Indians can take revenge.
rounak