Deccan Chargers meets Kings XI, Punjab in the DLF-IPL league at the Barabati stadium here on Friday night.
It should be an intense encounter as Deccan Chargers, with one win out of two matches, is keen to record a crucial win while Kings XI is eager to get its first points.
Both the teams had vigorous work-outs on Thursday morning. Talking to reporters later, Deccan Chargers captain Adam Gilchrist sounded confident as he announced that Mitchell Marsh, who came back to the team, is in a fine shape, indicating that the player is almost in the playing XI.
The fact that Chargers has not beaten Kings XI yet, did not bother the team. “It's not even something we talk about”, said Gilchrist.
“It is time to freshen up….this is a new year, new game and different conditions, and anything could happen,” Gilchrist said.
The Australian felt that a team scoring 200 enjoyed a better chance of winning than losing.
Gilchrist said he did not miss playing international cricket and was thrilled to play in the IPL. He appreciated the Cuttack people for taking care of the team very well. The team's stay here will be for nine days, before it plays its other match on Sunday.
Stress on discipline
Two losses should put the team in a gloomy state but Kings XI captain Sangakkara said it was not difficult to lift the team's morale. “Morale is there, discipline on the field is needed. We will come out and perform”, he said.
Good fielding should back up his bowlers and need to curb instances like two or three overs costing the team a match. He found the pitch not different from the one on which Sri Lanka played an ODI against India last year.
Coach Tom Moody said the team had its plans and the absence of fast bowlers, Australian Brett Lee and West Indian Jerome Taylor would provide opportunities for the youngsters.
