Punjab look to continue winning run

Match facts

Thursday May 1, 2008
Start time 20.00 (local), 14.30 (GMT)

The Big Picture

Two teams which started their IPL campaign poorly have suddenly found winning ways over the last week, and Thursday's clash is another opportunity for both Deccan Chargers and Kings XI Punjab to sustain the momentum. Adam's Gilchrist's incredible century against Mumbai Indians on Sunday ensured that Deccan notched up the most convincing win of the tournament, while Punjab have won once each batting first and chasing, suggesting they are pretty comfortable doing either. Two of the architects of their wins - Simon Katich and Brett Lee - won't be around, though, as both have country duties coming up, and how Punjab cope with the absence of those two stars could well determine how this match pans out.

Watch out for ...

... Herschelle Gibbs. He should be an excellent replacement for Andrew Symonds, who returns home to prepare for the West Indies tour after a mixed tournament. With Lee missing from the opposition attack, Gibbs should get plenty of opportunity to tee off.

Team news

Gibbs for Symonds is the most likely replacement, unless Deccan opt for the extra bowling option that Scott Styris will provide. Considering the fact that Symonds didn't bowl in the previous game, Deccan will probably go in with Gibbs for his clean ball-striking ability and his fielding prowess at point. VVS Laxman's handy contribution against Mumbai should ensure he stays at the top of the order, with Gibbs coming in at No.3.

Deccan Chargers (probable) 1 Adam Gilchrist (wk), 2 VVS Laxman (capt), 3 Herschelle Gibbs, 4 Rohit Sharma, 5 Shahid Afridi, 6 Sanjay Bangar, 7 Arjun Yadav, 8 Nuwan Zoysa, 9 Pragyan Ojha, 10 RP Singh, 11 D Kalyankrishna.

Punjab might be hit more badly by the players who are leaving them. They have no ready replacement for Lee, while Katich's steady hand at the top of the order will be missed as well. The possible replacements could be Ramnaresh Sarwan and James Hopes, which will make the batting line-up largely an overseas one. If Punjab do opt for that tactic, it'll open up one bowling slot for a local player, and Ajitesh Argal, one of the heroes of India's Under-19 World Cup triumph, could get his first chance on the big stage.

Punjab (probable) 1 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 2 James Hopes, 3 Ramnaresh Sarwan, 4 Yuvraj Singh (capt), 5 Mahela Jayawardene, 6 Tanmay Srivastava, 7 Irfan Pathan, 8 Ajitesh Argal, 9 Piyush Chawla, 10 Sreesanth, 11 VRV Singh.

Deccan Chargers: LLLW
Kings XI Punjab: LLWW

Deccan have lost both their home games, while Punjab haven't yet won an away game. One of those stats will change for sure on Thursday.

"We are keen to win the match in front of home crowd and are not worried about our rivals."
VVS Laxman hopes to carry Hyderabad's momentum forward.