As one enters the Barabati Stadium, a giant sized charging bull, a symbol of Deccan Chargers, looks imposing and threatening too. Yet, it has failed to inspire the team so far in this IPL.
The team having played lost all its four matches will seek to turn around the fortunes against a resurgent Kolkata Knight Riders.
Led by one of the most prolific wicket-keeper batsman in contemporary cricket, Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara, the Chargers have been let down by its bowling and fielding.
This despite having two match winning bowlers in South African Dale Steyn and Indian leggie Amit Mishra.
The way the team lost the last two matches against Delhi Daredevils and Rajasthan Royals showed it in a very poor light. The worst was its failure to defend a match-winning 196 against Royals.
On the other hand, Knight Riders coming off a very impressive victory against King's XI Punjab, should place the team in a confident mood before the Sunday's match.
Batting has not been a problem for DC as all most all of the top order batsmen are among runs especially the team's left handed Shikhar Dhawan. Sangakkara, Dan Christian and Jean-Paul Duminy all can contribute handsomely.
Fielding worries
The bowlers have been taken to cleaners on more than one occasion and this is one area DC can look to improve. And the other area of grave concern is the team's fielding ability.
The Knights seem to have gained the momentum and will be looking to seal this match as well.
Having finished fourth last season and trying to do one better, it cannot afford to lose any more games, especially the one against weaker opponents.
It is also significant that the two will meet in the return game at the Eden Gardens on Tuesday and whoever wins this game will enjoy an psychological edge.
Gautam Gambhir may like to play at No. 1 or 3 will not matter as long as he maintains his batting form. Though he has the backing of his captain, Yusuf Pathan is, in fact, going through a very bad patch. He needs one good outing in the middle to get his touch back.
