Defending champions Chennai Super Kings are all set to host one of the weakest sides in this year’s Indian Premier League, Deccan Chargers. CSK has not been playing like a team which has won two titles and is at number six in the points table. Their top players are struggling and they have been involved in quite a few one sided competitions. Their cricket has been ordinary up till now and they will quickly want to turn the tides in their favor or they can say the tournament goodbye.

Deccan Chargers have been at the bottom of the table right from the time the tournament started. They have played some of the most ordinary cricket out of all the teams and have lost quite a few matches from winning positions. Deccan has defeated only one team (Pune Warriors twice) and will be desperate to change that. If they will win today’s competition than they will leave the last position and that should motivate the entire team.

Let’s have a look at some of the players who can leave an impression in today’s contest.

Chennai Super Kings:

Michael Hussey: Mr. Cricket is back in the Chennai side and that should boost the entire side. He did play in the last match and was unable to make a healthy contribution, but every team will know that Hussey is the most prolific run-scorer in all the formats and is a potential threat. Hussey will open the innings and will look to play right through the innings.

Suresh Raina: He is not at his best and that itself is a surprise because Raina owns this format. He is an essential part of this Chennai outfit and a lot depends on how this explosive left-hander plays. Raina is a dangerous batsman and can win a match singlehandedly.

Albie Morkel: This talented South African all-rounder is not getting much chance to bat (which is a bizarre thing in itself), but when it comes to bowling he is the man that MS Dhoni gives the new ball to. Morkel can swing the new ball and has a neck of picking early wickets.

Ravindra Jadeja: Chennai thrives on the amount of all-rounders that they have in their side and Jadeja is a prime example of that.  Jadeja is a very efficient bowler and is hard to hit in the middle overs. His role is to stop the run-flow and he will be looking to do exactly that.

Deccan Chargers:

Cameron White: Chargers have won two games and in both the games it was White’s efforts that got them over the line. He started the tournament bit slowly but has found his touch now. He is one of the most dangerous hitter when in full form and has already hit some massive sixes. Deccan Chargers’ fate lies on this strong Australian’s shoulders.

Kumar Sangakkara: He had a terrible tournament till the last match where he was involved in a match-winning partnership. Sangakkara scored a fluent half-century and announced himself in this season. He is a class player and a lot is expected from him.

Dale Steyn: He struggled in some of the matches and was simply unplayable in some. Deccan will be hoping that Steyn has a good day today because they really need his services against the strong Chennai batting line up. It will be interesting to see his battle with Hussey.

Ankit Sharma: He has been one of the most economical bowlers for Deccan Chargers this season. He changes his pace quite well and is very hard to pick with his quick arm action. He is also very handy with the bat and that makes him doubly dangerous.

By Gaurav Jha

Indian Sports News