Deccan favourites in battle of former losers
Bangalore already threaten to have fallen back to type, and they will want to push Deccan back to type, and maintain equilibrium in the table
Match facts
April 22, 2009Start time 16.30pm (14.30GMT)
Big Picture
The bottom-placed teams from last season had undergone massive changes this year but one of them, Bangalore Royal Challengers, already threaten to revert to type, via a dispirited show against Chennai Super Kings on Monday. They will now want to push Deccan Chargers back to type and maintain equilibrium in the table.Player form guide
Deccan: They will be absolutely pleased with the opening combination of Fidel Edwards and RP Singh, who set up the big win for them - Edwards through tight, fast bowling, RP through movement, bounce, and wicket-taking deliveries. Will be too early to read into the batsmen's form - they were chasing only 102, but Adam Gilchrist and Herschelle Gibbs, on current form, are a tempting proposition at the top.Watch out for
Gilchrist v Praveen: Murderous intent v wily swing bowling. Vast experience v young wise head. As it stands, it's 2-0 to Praveen. Surprising as it may sound, Praveen took Gilchrist out, early, in both the finals of the CB Series last year.Friendly fire
Gibbs v Steyn: Who will the crowds go mad for? So far every time the ball has gone to Gibbs, and every time Steyn has beaten the batsman, there has been generous appreciation from home crowds. This one should be a monumental contest. Can Gibbs pull a fast Steyn delivery, of un-pullable length?Team news
Ryder, if there is no injury concern, should take his place ahead of compatriot Taylor. Ryder looks in better touch, is a more complete batsman, and provides a lot with his smart medium-pace bowling. One Indian slot has been a complete waste for them, too. B Akhil looked out of his depth against quality spin bowling, and he didn't get a bowl. His replacement in the second game, Rajesh Bishnoi, didn't get to bowl either, and came in to bat after the game had been lost. They just can't keep wasting a player.Sidharth Monga is a staff writer at Cricinfo