Indian Premier League - IPL / Andrew Hughes / 08 April 2010 /

The reigning champions secured a vital win on Thursday to halt a nightmare run of form. But they are still some way from breaking into the top four and next they face a rampant Chennai team. Andrew Hughes previews Saturday's first IPL game.

Venue and Conditions

The wandering Deccan Chargers play their second game at the Vidharba Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur. This ground boasts the largest boundaries in the tournament and so offers some respite for hard-pressed spin bowlers.

Team News

Deccan have been shuffling their squad desperately to find a winning combination. They finally hit on one on Thursday so may not ring the changes which means Herschelle Gibbs and Kemar Roach will remain on the bench.

Chennai may not be in a hurry to recall Albie Morkel even if he is fit as their bowling looked better without him last time, but Muttiah Muralitheran is likely to return as the dry pitch will suit him perfectly.

Match Odds

Deccan's win in Bangalore on Thursday stopped the rot and makes this an intriguing match-up. They had struggled to close games out, particularly with the bat and their big guns had not turned in the huge scores they are capable of. But Andrew Symonds steered them home against the Royal Challengers and that will have done their confidence a lot of good.

However, I expect Chennai to finally dump the Chargers out of the competition on Saturday. Under Stephen Fleming's astute guidance, the Super Kings have addressed their flaws, putting up three straight wins, including an impressive victory over Mumbai, a game in which their bowling also started to look the finished article. M S Dhoni's men look strong favourites to win in Nagpur and can be backed at [1.75]

Top Batsman

Given Adam Gilchrist's indifferent form, you should look at one of the other stars in the line-up and it may be best to side with Rohit Sharma at [5.0] or better as he is certain to get a game and comes in higher up the order than Andrew Symonds.

Chennai's Aussie veteran Matthew Hayden has also been out of sorts and so the in-form Murali Vijay at [4.0] or the consistent Suresh Raina at around [5.0] make more appeal.

Featured Market

Given the dimensions of the VCA Stadium, it might be worth going low in the Total Sixes market. Back '9 and Under' if you can get 3.0 or better.

Trivia

Chennai have hit more sixes than any other team in the tournament, 69 in total.

Andrew Hughes says back Rohit Sharma to top score for Deccan at [5.0] or better

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

:

:

:

?

: