Deccan Chargers team profile

Deccan Chargers were champions in 2009 and semi-finalists in 2010, but it would be a surprise if they repeated either of those feats this year. A completely revamped squad contains the big-name signings in Kumar Sangakkara and Dale Steyn, but arguably lacks the depth needed to win the competition. They also suffered a massive blow before the tournament started when Kevin Pietersen was ruled out with a hernia injury.

Strengths

Deccan will field the world's best fast bowler in South African Dale Steyn. Steyn took 15 wickets in last year's tournament and defied his reputation for inaccuracy by producing an economy rate of 6.88 per over. He is supported by the fiery medium-pacer Ishant Sharma. In the spin department, Deccan have two strong performers - slow left-armer Pragyan Ojha won the purple cap in IPL3 for taking the most wickets, whilst leg-spinner Amit Mishra took 17 wickets, which was behind only Ojha.  

Weaknesses

Deccan's batting is a potential stumbling block. Sangakkara is a world-class performer, but in the absence of Pietersen, Deccan must rely on less proven performers. JP Duminy and Michael Lumb offer support but they are unlikely to be heavy scorers. The middle-order batting, therefore, seems over-reliant on the two Australian allrounders, Cameron White and Dan Christian. White has a good record in Twenty20 cricket and much can be expected of him, whereas Christian is a huge gamble. He was relatively expensive at $900,000 for a rookie who has not yet become a regular in Australia's side. His price may stem from the perception that Aussies provide good value in the IPL.

Deccan have perhaps banked on too many overseas players. The only Indian batsmen of note are the youngsters Shikhar Dhawan and Ravi Teja and they are hardly household names. Last year, four of the top five heaviest scorers were Indian batsmen (and five out of five of the highest wicket-takers), which suggests a strong contingent of Indian players is an advantage.

Key men: Kumar Sangakkara, Dale Steyn

2010 position: Fourth

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