Chargers play KKR in IPL opener today

Defending champions Deccan Chargers are determined to continue their fairytale in the third edition of the Indian premier League that gets underway on Friday.

Deepika Padukone, Lionel Richie and Bjorn Again, Abba’s next generation, will kick off the tournament at a gala show at 6.30 pm at the D.Y. Patel stadium in Navi Mumbai. The action will start at 8 pm, when Deccan Chargers take on Kolkata Knight Riders, triggering 45 days of cut-throat competition among eight teams. For the first time, the IPL can be accessed over mobile phones and You Tube and, in some cities, in theatres.

The Chargers can bank on happy memories. It was at the same Patil Stadium where Adam Gilchrist smacked a century with 10 sixes and nine fours to script a 10-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in IPL-1.

During IPL-3, a disabled child will get a customised bike for every Gilly six, something that motivates the captain even further. “After last’s year’s turnaround season we are under intense pressure from the other teams. We are determined to prove it wasn’t just luck. My motivation level is even higher and I want as many children as possible to benefit from our success,” he said.

Gilly also struck an emotional chord with the fans in Hyderabad. “We feel homeless, and are very disappointed for the fans of Hyderabad,” he said. The last time they played away from home in South Africa, Chargers returned as champions. Just like in IPL-2, KKR will be Chargers’ opening opponents. Last year, Chargers thrashed KKR. The omens are good.