So, the main bidding for IPL-4 is complete. New teams, new players and newer loyalties. Again, dont think that i need to define my loyalties, which remain firmly with Deccan Chargers. The loss of Symonds and Gilchrist is a bit upsetting, but then life moves on and i believe DC has a more balanced team this time.
Given below is the list of the players (info source: Cricinfo) picked up in the auction and the ones retained by the teams. The first player in each team (according to my assumption) will captain the team.


The IPL-4 looks much more formidable this time with more players, more teams and no clear favourites. Again happy to see no Pakistani players in the auction and glad to see them being kept out of the whole tournament. Hope this courtesy is extended to all their artists too who are feeding off our film & music industry.
First the World Cup in February and then the 4th edition of IPL. Ah, life’s gonna be busier again.
Previous posts on IPL here
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Deccan Chargers brought the high flying Mumbai Indians led by the mighty Sachin Tendulkar down to the ground. Chasing 169 for a victory, the Mumbai Indians were racing away to a victory at 85/1 in just 10 overs when the dreaded tactical time out did the trick.

Pragyan Ojha who bowled an awesome 4 over spell taking 3 wickets for just 21 runs put brakes in the Mumbai batting. Fidel Edwards and RP Singh chipped in with 2 wickets apiece.
Earlier, batting first, the Deccan Chargers got off to a flier with Gibbs topscoring with 58 and ably supported by Gilchrist (35) and Dwayne Smith (35). A lower order collapse restricted Deccan Chargers to just 168 when at a point 200 was surely on the cards.
With this victory, Deccan Chargers are clearly on the top with a 100% record. 3 wins in 3 matches. DC next take on the mighty Chennai Super Kings on monday at 1600 hrs IST. That should be another mouthwatering contest.
Above pictures courtesy: Cricinfo
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The second edition of the Indian Premier League started yesterday in South Africa with 2 huge upsets. Last year’s underperformers, Mumbai Indians beat last year’s runner’s up, Chennai Super Kings.

And in the 2nd match of the night, the so called “test team” of the IPL, Bangalore Royal Challengers beat defending champions Rajasthan Royals. The other 4 teams in the competition (Punjab Kings, Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders and Deccan Chargers) will be seen in action today (Sunday).


As usual, am rooting for the Deccan Chargers inspite of them ending up with the wooden spoon last time round. Cant help it. Once a Hyderabadi, always a Hyderabadi


As the tournament has started off with upsets, lets see how the last time’s losers will perform this year.
Above cheerleader’s pic courtesy: Telugupeople
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