IPL-3: 45-day party is on

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Mumbai, March 11: Defending champions Deccan Chargers are determined to continue their fairytale saga when the third edition of the tournament gets underway here on Friday.

IPL has planned an extravaganza featuring Deepika Padukone, Lionel Richie and Bjorn Again, Abba’s next generation, for the inaugural. The action will start at 8 pm, when the first ball will be bowled in the Deccan Chargers vs Kolkata Knight Riders match, triggering a breathless 45 days of cut-throat competition among eight teams as they crisscross the country.
The Chargers can bank on happy memories for Friday’s match. It was at the same D.Y. Patil Stadium where Adam Gilchrist had smacked a whirlwind century with 10 sixes and nine fours to script a 10-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in the first season.
Gilly has since raised the bar and has set himself a new challenge. He plans to hit 25 sixes during the tournament. For every Gilly six, a child with a disability will get a bike customised to the recepient’s needs.
“After last’s year’s turnaround season we are under intense pressure from the other teams who want to knock us off our perch. We are determined to prove it wasn’t just luck. Now, my motivation level is even higher as I want as many children as possible to benefit from our success,” he said.
The last time they played away in South Africa, the Chargers returned as champions. Just like the last time, KKR will be Chargers’ opening opponents. Last year, the Chargers thrashed KKR. The omens are good.

K. Moses