The reigning title-holders of the second edition of the IPL, Deccan Chargers had a fairytale second season. Plagued by poor performances, the team was placed at the bottom of the table at the end of IPL’s opening season. But they scripted an incredible turnaround in the second edition, claiming the title. Much credit for their rags to riches story goes to their captain Adam Gilchrist.

His compatriot Darren Lehmann joined the team as coach for the second edition. Deccan’s pace attack is led by the fiery Fidel Edwards and the steady RP Singh. They bought out Sri Lankans Nuwan Zoysa and Chamara Silva ahead of the third edition. To further strengthen their bowling, they picked up the much sought after West Indies fast bowler, Kemar Roach, for a staggering USD 720,000 at the 2010 auction. U-19 player Harmeet Singh was also picked for the coming tournament.

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Kings XI Punjab have an aura of glamour and verve around them thanks to owners Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia. They boast the services of the flamboyant Yuvraj Singh and dependable Sangakkara; the destructive Irfan Pathan and experienced Jayawardene. So when the first edition of the IPL kicked off, the team from India’s lion-hearted state were looked on with awe and admiration. But the side could not progress beyond the semi-final stage.

In 2009, the spectacular South African setting did little to embellish the team’s chances – they bowed out before the semis, depleted by the absence of Brett Lee and Sreesanth at various stages. Left-arm paceman Yusuf Abdulla was one of the finds of the tournament and he has been retained for the third edition. Luke Pomersbach and Nuwan Kulasekara were bought our ahead of the 2010 auction while they picked former India batsman Mohammed Kaif who is expected to recreate the magic with Yuvraj Singh in the Punjab side under new captain Kumar Sangakkara.

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