New Delhi, March 22: Defending champions Deccan Chargers were rated the most popular side of the Indian Premier League while last year’s laggards, the Kolkata Knight Riders, were second in cricket lovers’ popularity chart, a survey said.

The Adam Gilchrist-led side, which started the IPL campaign on a losing note against KKR but since then has recaptured the rhythm to clinch three consecutive wins, got 33 per cent vote in the “eBay Battle of the Fans” survey.
The “eBay Battle of the Fans” is a barometer that measures the popularity of an IPL team by the quantity of the team merchandise bought by the fans on eBay.
Reacting to the popularity chart, Deccan Chargers skipper Adam Gilchrist on Monday appreciated the expansion of the Indian Premier League matches. “It is a pleasant surprise. The popularity is an indication that we have been playing a very positive, attractive brand of cricket. We appreciate any kind of support we get and this would surely add to the morale of the team and spur them on to taking the game to a higher level.”
Chargers pace spearhead Chaminda Vaas said, “We have been doing very well on the field and this vote is a testimony to that. We have been showing a lot of improvement in all the departments, viz. batting, bowling and fielding, and such news boosts the confidence in the camp.”
The Royal Challengers Bangalore were third, followed by the Delhi Daredevils, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. The Rajasthan Royals was the least popular side behind Kings XI Punjab.

K. Moses
With agency inputs