DECCAN CHARGERS - IPL 2011

Deccan chargers

Chargers having won IPL 2 miss most of their architects of previous win except for Ojha but then the new entrants are no matter ordinary. But it is in their choice of Indian Players do they miss a lot having failed to buy best players on auction. Apart Dhawan, Ishanth. Mishra and Ojha none of their Indian players can find their places as deserving.

Captain

They have not announced their captain yet. But among those present, Sangakkara, White and Pieterson are the options available. Since KP has n’t had best of times leading, its between Sanga and White. Here I feel Sanga ‘ld be better choice. Being the only Keeper of worth, he is likely to be sure starter for all matches and can do a good job. But his Country as well as IPL captaincy stint is n’t so worthy. White being available full time can be good choice too. His having lead Victoria to victories in quite a lot of Tournaments and being the Aussie T20 skipper can be in his side. Again he does n’t claim a sure start in XI unlike Sanga. Also Sanga’s knowledge of Indian conditions can be clinching.

Openers

They clearly lack in this department. Dhawan is at best a mediocre one. But he will start as one for sure. Lumb is very good choice but he ll crucially take a Overseas slot such that they need one for Middle order. Maybe Sangakkara should himself try opening with Dhawan. But they certainly lack the X factor opener here.

Middle Order

Middle Order looks strong if only the Overseas players play. Sangakkara is sure starter. White or KP or Dumminy can slot into 2 places. Raja relatively unknown, Chipli a decent Indian player, Ankit Sharma all must slot in, They certainly do miss the Indian Middle order players. Sanga is excellent accumulator and can go for shots too. White can chip in his spin apart from being a destructor with bat and a excellent fielder. Pieterson requires no introduction and well Dumminy again is one in excellent form. Chipli is just fine unlike his acclaimed mates like Kohli,Shaurabh Tiwary or even Goswami. Anand Raja is relatively unknown even in Indian Domestic scene.

Allrounders

The Surprise pick of Auction Dan Christian must play and well he can be pretty useful. Dumminy can be effective too as Allrounder but this means they either miss a Opener or a Pacer or a middle order bat for sure.

Wicket Keepers

Sanga is only choice and he adds up as an excellent batsman in Top order and can Lead the team.

Spinners

If  there is one department where Deccan are just real good its spin. Having lacked a proper support to Ojha in past, now they have India’s second and third choice test spinners in Ojha and Mishra. Ojha has time and again proved how good he is in this format with his exploits in IPL 2 and IPL 3. Mishra again has been Delhi’s best being economical and effective. His Hatrick was a special effort. Between them these two can choke the opponents in Middle order.

Fast Bowlers

They have the Best in the World Cricket now. Steyn with Sanga will be sure starter among Overseas players. And am not going to comment on him here. To back up he has Ishanth. Though not at home in this format or be in his best form, yet Ishanth is better choice than Local Pacers. If he finds his feet, Ish can be a force to reckon with Steyn. Theron may be played and his exploits in IPL do demand him a place. His Death bowling can be very useful but again it means he must play either in place of Steyn or else Middle order must be sacrificed which they can’t afford with their Indian talent. Gony can slot in as Third seamer. He can be effective as he proved in Season 1 and 2 but his recent form is n’t very fruitful. Yet lack of competition means he is likely to start. Here if he and Ishanth misfires, it may hurt them big. Ankit Sharma is just another domestic player though effective in Indian tournaments, will be unknown quantity to start with.

Overall they despite some brilliant individuals like Steyn , White  lack a balance in side and pretty ordinary Indian players means they may not be big force. Back up also does n;t look great. Apart Spin cauldron they look pretty ordinary.

Likely Starting XI

 Dhawan – Sangakkara – White – Dumminy – Chipli – Raja – Gony – Mishra – Steyn – Ishanth – Ojha