Chargers hope to bounce back against Pune

Last year, Deccan Chargers won their last five league games to make an astonishing entry into the semi-finals of the IPL

Chargers hope to bounce back against Pune

Last year, Deccan Chargers won their last five league games to make an astonishing entry into the semi-finals of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The duo of Adam Gilchrist and Darren Lehmann worked brilliantly in tandem to lift the then defending champions from a five-match losing slump that saw them stay put at the bottom half of the table for most the season.

During that resurgence, it was Deccan's bowling, led by Pragyan Ojha that saw them win a series of close contests, with the two-run win at Jaipur marking the turnaround.

Most of the side's personnel has changed, but Lehmann is standing tall, confident that his side can perform an encore - winning their last four games to rekindle hopes of qualifying for the final four.

As they prepare for the first of their two contests against Pune Warriors in the next six days at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium today, Lehmann is cracking the whip on his boys.u00a0

u00a0"I have to be honest, it has been a very disappointing tournament for us," said coach Lehmann, whose Chargers have lost seven out of their 10 games thus far.u00a0

"We have slipped at key moments, if we had held on to chances... we would have been in a better position. It's time to turn it around," added the South Australian.

Lehmann said that his side, which comprises of four Test bowlers in Dale Steyn, Ishant Sharma, Pragyan Ojha and Amit Mishra, would rely on bowling, just like it did in 2009.

"Our bowling has been right on top through the tournament. Even when Virender Sehwag blasted a hundred, Sharma (2-16) and Steyn (2-24) bowled impeccably well. We have a well-balanced side, and I see no reason we can't bounce back," he said.

With the Indian summer at its peak, the pitches have become drier, and the IPL has seen its lowest totals in history.

Lehmann said that the 4 PM start could work in his side's favour.

"It will be very hot, but I think we can manage it. We have been practising in the heat for the very reason, and didn't feel any discomfort during our session on Sunday. I hope it won't be much of a
factor."