It will be a clash between the defending champion and a former champion when Chennai Super Kings takes on Deccan Chargers in an IPL-V contest at the ACA-VDCA stadium here on Saturday night.
After losing its opener rather tamely, Super Kings will be keen to make amends while Chargers will be eager to get off to a good start.
“The track is fantastic,” said Super Kings bowling coach Andy Bichel, an opinion echoed by Chargers' stand-in captain Cameron White. Saturday's game promises plenty of runs on what looks like a batting beauty.
Super Kings will begin with a slight advantage as Chargers is a depleted side this time. Its Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara is on National duty and expected to join the squad only for the next game.
West Indies' Darren Bravo is representing his country against Australia while Indian speedster Ishant Sharma has been ruled out with an injury.
The pressure will be on South African left-hander Jean-Paul Duminy and speedster Dale Steyn, while much will be expected from the Australian all-rounders — Daniel Christian and Daniel Harris. Among the Indians, Shikhar Dhawan, Parthiv Patel and leg-spinner Amit Mishra will be keen to come good in a line-up that looks short on experience.
“Playing against Super Kings is a great opportunity. It will be a learning experience. We haven't decided on the team, but some of the new faces are definitely up for a spot in the playing XI,” said White.
“Super Kings is a good side, but most of the Chargers players have played here before and we are hoping for a bright start,” added the skipper.
Chargers will be looking to strike form straightaway and get the momentum going, as it is facing two big sides in the first two matches — Super Kings and Mumbai Indians (on April 9).
“We are slow starters but hope to turn it around from this match,” said Bichel.
“A win is a must for the team. The good thing about the side is that the young players have been successful and it would not take long to find a winning formula,” he added.
Super Kings' captain M.S. Dhoni, Suresh Raina and others would look to put the disastrous opening game behind and fire on all cylinders.
The Super Kings captain would also expect his bowlers to perform better against Chargers. An interesting encounter awaits the fans.