HYDERABAD: Former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist has been appointed captain of Deccan Chargers. Gilchrist has replaced Indian middle-order batsman VVS Laxman, who was sacked after the blame-game with Shahid Afridi, on the teamís debacle in the last IPL season came into light.
“Adam Gilchrist commands respect within the team and right around the cricket world. He has redefined the role of wicketkeeper/batsman in modern cricket,” Tim Wright, chief executive of Deccan Chargers, said in a statement.
“I am confident Adam Gilchrist will unite Deccan Chargers’ outstanding talent. Four members of our squad were on the India tour of Sri Lanka, more than any other IPL team, and the quality of our overseas players is well known. These players will play for Gilchrist,” he added.
Reacting to him elevated to captain, Gilchrist said, “It’s a tremendous thrill and honour to become captain of the Deccan Chargers. I look forward to working hard with everybody towards making the team successful.”
In another move aimed at changing the fortunes of the team, Deccan Chargers replaced Robin Singh, their coach, and instead gave former Australian batsman Darren Lehmann his first coaching assignment.
“We are delighted to be giving Darren Lehmann his first post as coach and have no doubt he will be a great success. He has already brought considerable energy into the group and has a no-nonsense approach to winning cricket matches. Darren Lehmann is in India this week to run player trials in Hyderabad. We are looking to build a solid talent base for the future,” said Tim Wright.
Tipped to be the strongest outfit and favourites to win the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League, the Deccan Chargers fared dismally, winning just two of their fourteen matches to finish last among the eight teams.
