Skipper Gilchrist's blitzkrieg seals Royal Challengers' fate
Skipper Gilchrist's blitzkrieg seals Royal Challengers' fate
On paper, Deccan Chargers probably had the best batting line-up in the first Indian Premier League. But, big names don't make great teams and it proved true in Deccan's case as they finished last.
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Adam Gilchrist lead from the front with a 45-ball 71 as Deccan Chargers beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 24 runs in Cape Town yesterday |
Even though here they are without two of their star names, Shahid Afridi and Andrew Symonds (he will join the team later), this team has shown in the first two games that they won't be pushovers in the second edition.
After crushing Kolkata Knight Riders in their first game, Deccan yesterday defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by 24 runs at Newlands to lead the points table.
And the person to make the difference in their fortunes has been their skipper Adam Gilchrist. When he starts hitting the ball in the middle of the bat, there are not many as destructive as the Australian. Unfortunately for Bangalore, yesterday was Gilchrist's day.
The left-hander's opening onslaught was so fierce that Kevin Pietersen's troops disintegrated quickly. His 71 came off 45 balls with five sixes and six fours. He was backed beautifully by the in-form Rohit Sharma (52 off 30 balls).
Gilchrist was his usual ebullient self in the field while marshalling his troops. Continuously shouting encouragement, he looked in control of proceedings. The field changes were swift and right men were used in right positions.
Rohit Sharma was a livewire in the covers, Herschelle Gibbs almost unbeatable at point and VVS Laxman was smartly used for most parts in spots where he did not need to sprint. The outfield was well manned by the likes of Scott Styris and Ravi Teja.
Gilchrist attributed his success to the freshness he is feeling after being at home. "The freshness with which I have come in this tournament is a great feeling. Playing continuous cricket can sometimes make you jaded. My 99 per cent cricket is over but the one per cent that is left is very important and I am focused on doing well for Deccan."
Pietersen felt his team conceded the advantage with poor starts. "We bowled poorly in the first six overs and lost too many early wickets. It is difficult to recover from a poor start," said Pietersen.
