“It is a big and exciting game ahead and we hope to do the right things at the right time,” said Deccan Chargers coach Darren Lehmann on the eve of the clash against Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League-IV at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here on Sunday.
“There is no doubt that Mumbai is the best team on current form and has a very good batting and bowling line-up. But, remember we were also IPL champions once and the boys are ready for the challenge,” said Lehmann after Chargers' practice session on Saturday morning.
“Ishant (Sharma) will definitely be playing here and we hope he will continue to bowl as well as he did in the earlier games.
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“The wicket here should suit him and Dale Steyn. I hope they pick up important wickets early,” Lehmann said.
“I can't say what will be a defendable total or what will be easy to chase. Ultimately, you have to get your act together at the right time to win matches,” he said.
“I do not agree that we miss a big-hitter in the lower-order. Daniel Christian and Cameron White are quite capable,” he said.
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Wish him well, but…
“We all know that Sachin will be celebrating his birthday. I wish him a very happy birthday, but at the same time hope he will not score too many runs against us,” Lehmann quipped.
“For us, it is like any other game. Given the results so far every game is big for any team, as a couple of wins or losses can change the course of the team's progress,” Lehmann said.
“We have been working really hard on fielding and I am pleased with the way the boys have responded. It should be a good fight between two of the best fielding sides,” he said. —