Deccan Chargers look to recharge

[1]

“So near, yet so far” is a phrase that sums up Deccan Chargers’ run so far in the ongoing IPL-5 season.

Chargers, who have on numerous occasions failed to deliver the knockout punch, get an opportunity to do so when they play Kings XI Punjab at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday.

For the hosts, skipper Kumar Sangakkara, Shikhar Dhawan and Cameron White have been in good touch, while Parthiv Patel, Daniel Harris and J.P. Duminy too have contributed whenever given an opportunity.

Dale Steyn will spearhead the bowling attack, but others in the pack need to bowl in right areas if Chargers aim to create an impact.

The ground-fielding needs to sport a sharper look should the home team think of derailing their opponents.

Kings XI Punjab arrive here after suffering a reverse at the hands of Rajasthan Royals. Despite that loss, the Kings have managed to perform beyond expectations.

The performances of overseas recruits — Azhar Mahmood, stand-in skipper David Hussey and Shaun Marsh — have helped the side put up a tough fight against the more-fancied sides.

Mandeep Singh (284 runs from 11 outings) and Marsh (290 from 10 innings) have delivered consistently at the top.

Hussey (263 runs from 10 essays), in the absence of the injured Adam Gilchrist, has marshalled his troops well.

With 10 points from 11 matches, Punjab will be itching to see their name in the top-four list that would feature in the play-off stages of the tournament.