JOIN USThe Royals, who had suffered blows after injuries to Graeme Smith and Dmitri Marcarenhas, came up with an all-round show to notch up their second IPL III win against laggards Kings XI Punjab on Wednesday night but a clash against Deccan Chargers will be a much bigger test of character.
The Chargers have been on the roll with three victories on the trot after losing their first match against Kolkata Knight Riders and they will want to continue the winning momentum though the crowd at Sardar Patel Stadium at Motera would be rooting for Shane Warne’s men.
For the Deccan Chargers, Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds seemed to be the born-again cricketer after being dumped from the national side. He had been in consistent form for the Chargers in the IPL III, including his man of the match winning performance against Delhi Daredevils last week.
Besides Symonds, the top order batsmen, including captain Adam Gilchrist and Herschelle Gibbs, have got the starts and they are due a big score anytime.
On the bowling front, veteran Sri Lankan Chaminda Vaas has been among the wickets and utilising his vast international experience while bowling with the new ball and at the death.
Rohit Sharma and Pragyan Ojha have been doing reasonably well in the bowling front through the former has not been making much contribution with the bat. The only worry for the Chargers has been Rudra Pratap Singh leaking runs without also taking many wickets.
The good news for the Royals is that the side with few big names have been performing as a team in their last two matches.
Fortunately for the Jaipur-based side, Australian pacer Shaun Tait seemed to have got back his rhythm.