Fixture for IPL 2010

 

Date

Venue

No.

Match

Mar 12
20:00 IST

Dr DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai

Match 1

Deccan Chargers v Kolkata Knight Riders

Mar 13
15:00 IST

Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai (Bombay)

Match 2

Mumbai Indians v Rajasthan Royals

Mar 13
20:00 IST

Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali - Chandigarh

Match 3

Kings XI Punjab v Delhi Daredevils

Mar 14
16:00 IST

Eden Gardens, Kolkata (Calcutta)

Match 4

Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Mar 14
20:00 IST

MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), Chennai (Madras)

Match 5

Chennai Super Kings v Deccan Chargers

Mar 15
20:00 IST

Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera - Ahmedabad

Match 6

Rajasthan Royals v Delhi Daredevils

Mar 16
16:00 IST

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore - Karnataka

Match 7

Royal Challengers Bangalore v Kings XI Punjab

Mar 16
20:00 IST

Eden Gardens, Kolkata (Calcutta)

Match 8

Kolkata Knight Riders v Chennai Super Kings

Mar 17
20:00 IST

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Match 9

Delhi Daredevils v Mumbai Indians

Mar 18
20:00 IST

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore - Karnataka

Match 10

Royal Challengers Bangalore v Rajasthan Royals

Mar 19
16:00 IST

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Match 11

Delhi Daredevils v Chennai Super Kings

Mar 19
20:00 IST

Barabati Stadium, Cuttack

Match 12

Deccan Chargers v Kings XI Punjab

Mar 20
16:00 IST

Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera - Ahmedabad

Match 13

Rajasthan Royals v Kolkata Knight Riders

Mar 20
20:00 IST

Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai (Bombay)

Match 14

Mumbai Indians v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Mar 21
16:00 IST

Barabati Stadium, Cuttack

Match 15

Deccan Chargers v Delhi Daredevils

Mar 21
20:00 IST

MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), Chennai (Madras)

Match 16

Chennai Super Kings v Kings XI Punjab

Mar 22
20:00 IST

Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai (Bombay)

Match 17

Mumbai Indians v Kolkata Knight Riders

Mar 23
20:00 IST

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore - Karnataka

Match 18

Royal Challengers Bangalore v Chennai Super Kings

Mar 24
20:00 IST

Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali - Chandigarh

Match 19

Kings XI Punjab v Rajasthan Royals

Mar 25
20:00 IST

Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai (Bombay)

Match 20

Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings

Mar 26
20:00 IST

Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera - Ahmedabad

Match 21

Rajasthan Royals v Deccan Chargers

Mar 27
16:00 IST

Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali - Chandigarh

Match 22

Kings XI Punjab v Kolkata Knight Riders

Mar 27
20:00 IST

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore - Karnataka

Match 23

Royal Challengers Bangalore v Delhi Daredevils

Mar 28
16:00 IST

Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera - Ahmedabad

Match 24

Rajasthan Royals v Chennai Super Kings

Mar 28
20:00 IST

Dr DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai

Match 25

Deccan Chargers v Mumbai Indians

Mar 29
20:00 IST

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Match 26

Delhi Daredevils v Kolkata Knight Riders

Mar 30
20:00 IST

Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai (Bombay)

Match 27

Mumbai Indians v Kings XI Punjab

Mar 31
16:00 IST

MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), Chennai (Madras)

Match 28

Chennai Super Kings v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Mar 31
20:00 IST

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Match 29

Delhi Daredevils v Rajasthan Royals

Apr 01
20:00 IST

Eden Gardens, Kolkata (Calcutta)

Match 30

Kolkata Knight Riders v Deccan Chargers

Apr 02
20:00 IST

Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali - Chandigarh

Match 31

Kings XI Punjab v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Apr 03
16:00 IST

MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), Chennai (Madras)

Match 32

Chennai Super Kings v Rajasthan Royals

Apr 03
20:00 IST

Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai (Bombay)

Match 33

Mumbai Indians v Deccan Chargers

Apr 04
16:00 IST

Eden Gardens, Kolkata (Calcutta)

Match 34

Kolkata Knight Riders v Kings XI Punjab

Apr 04
20:00 IST

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Match 35

Delhi Daredevils v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Apr 05
20:00 IST

Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur

Match 36

Deccan Chargers v Rajasthan Royals

Apr 06
20:00 IST

MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), Chennai (Madras)

Match 37

Chennai Super Kings v Mumbai Indians

Apr 07
16:00 IST

Sawai Mansingh Stadium (Chogan Stadium), Jaipur

Match 38

Rajasthan Royals v Kings XI Punjab

Apr 07
20:00 IST

Eden Gardens, Kolkata (Calcutta)

Match 39

Kolkata Knight Riders v Delhi Daredevils

Apr 08
20:00 IST

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore - Karnataka

Match 40

Royal Challengers Bangalore v Deccan Chargers

Apr 09
20:00 IST

Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali - Chandigarh

Match 41

Kings XI Punjab v Mumbai Indians

Apr 10
16:00 IST

Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur

Match 42

Deccan Chargers v Chennai Super Kings

Apr 10
20:00 IST

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore - Karnataka

Match 43

Royal Challengers Bangalore v Kolkata Knight Riders

Apr 11
16:00 IST

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Match 44

Delhi Daredevils v Kings XI Punjab

Apr 11
20:00 IST

Sawai Mansingh Stadium (Chogan Stadium), Jaipur

Match 45

Rajasthan Royals v Mumbai Indians

Apr 12
20:00 IST

Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur

Match 46

Deccan Chargers v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Apr 13
16:00 IST

Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai (Bombay)

Match 47

Mumbai Indians v Delhi Daredevils

Apr 13
20:00 IST

MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), Chennai (Madras)

Match 48

Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders

Apr 14
20:00 IST

Sawai Mansingh Stadium (Chogan Stadium), Jaipur

Match 49

Rajasthan Royals v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Apr 15
20:00 IST

MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), Chennai (Madras)

Match 50

Chennai Super Kings v Delhi Daredevils

Apr 16
20:00 IST

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala

Match 51

Kings XI Punjab v Deccan Chargers

Apr 17
16:00 IST

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore - Karnataka

Match 52

Royal Challengers Bangalore v Mumbai Indians

Apr 17
20:00 IST

Eden Gardens, Kolkata (Calcutta)

Match 53

Kolkata Knight Riders v Rajasthan Royals

Apr 18
16:00 IST

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala

Match 54

Kings XI Punjab v Chennai Super Kings

Apr 18
20:00 IST

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Match 55

Delhi Daredevils v Deccan Chargers

Apr 19
20:00 IST

Eden Gardens, Kolkata (Calcutta)

Match 56

Kolkata Knight Riders v Mumbai Indians

Apr 21
20:00 IST

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore - Karnataka

1st Semi Final

T.B.C. v T.B.C.

Apr 22
20:00 IST

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore - Karnataka

2nd Semi Final

T.B.C. v T.B.C.

Apr 24
20:00 IST

Dr DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai

3/4 place playoff

T.B.C. v T.B.C.

Apr 25
20:00 IST

Dr DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai

Final

T.B.C. v T.B.C.

IPL - 2010 Venues

IPL - 2010 Venues

DY Patil Stadium (Mumbai)
Built in 2008
It is considered as the sixth best cricket stadium in the world. It’s state-of-the-art facility impressed Rahul Dravid so much that he wishes to play at least one ODI before he retires. Apart from its magnificent design, thanks to architect Hafeez Contractor, a lot of care has gone into making the ground. About 200 tonnes of soil was especially air-lifted from South Africa to prepare the ground. It has one of the liveliest tracks in the country, which helps fast bowlers to extract good bounce. Its well-trimmed and lush green outfield is lightening fast. Situated about 50 km away from the city of Mumbai, it has seating capacity of 55,000, which makes it the second largest stadium in the country after Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

DY Patil Stadium (Mumbai)

Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad
Built in 1982
Sardar Patel Stadium is situated at Motera in the outskirts of Ahmedabad. It has a capacity of about 48,000 spectators.
The last Test played on the venue (Apr, 2008) is something that India will like to forget in a hurry. The Proteas pace attack of Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini and Morni Morkel had bundled out India for an embarrassing 76 in the first innings.
The wicket offered uneven bounce, which the speedsters exploited to the hilt. It eased down after Day-one as South Africa piled on 494 in the first innings, which was followed by India’s 328. Though this track has a history of favouring the spinners, in that match the South African fast bowlers stole the show by picking up 18 wickets and registering an innings victory over the hosts.
Overall, Harbhajan Singh is the second highest wicket-taker on this track with 26 scalps, 10 behind Kumble. Harbhajan feasted on the Lankan batsmen in the 2005 Test, where he ripped through the batting, picking up seven wickets in the first innings and 10 overall.

Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad

Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, PCA Stadium (Mohali, Chandigarh)
Built in 1993
The PCA stadium is truly a world-class. With excellent ground and practice facilities, the stadium has some of the finest amenities in the country. It first hosted a match, an ODI between India and South Africa, in November 1993. Earlier, it had one of the liveliest pitches in the country, but over the years the pitch has lost its bite and become slower and lower. However, the outfield has remained lightening fast, as a result of which high-scoring game has become a norm. It has a seating capacity of 40,000.

Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, PCA Stadium (Mohali, Chandigarh)

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bangalore)
Built in 1969
The Chinnaswamy Stadium has been christened after M Chinnaswamy, the former BCCI president, who was also involved with administration of Karnataka cricket for close to four decades. It hosted its first Test match in 1974, which marked the debut of Vivian Richards and Gordon Greenidge, who scored a superb century in his first outing. It will also be remembered for Sunil Gavaskar’s last Test, where he scored a magnificent 96 to unsuccessfully lead Indian fightback against Imran Khan’s team in 1987. And who would forget India’s brilliant victory against Pakistan in the 1996 World Cup quarter-final.
Known to assist fast bowlers early in the match and spinners towards the end, it has witnessed some fine performances from the touring sides as well. Apart from Greenidge, Michael Clarke also scored his maiden century. Incidentally, while playing in his 100th Test here, Inzamam scored a century.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 55,000 spectators and houses National Cricket Academy since 2000.

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bangalore)

Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
Built in 1937
One of the oldest stadia of India, the Brabourne Stadium last hosted a Test match in 1973, which was played between India and England. The stadium is owned by the Cricket Club of India (CCI) and only has a crowd capacity of 20,000.
The ground hosted international cricket matches after 11 years when five Champions Trophy games were held in 2006. All five encounters were low-scoring affairs, with 234 being the highest score.
This in itself tells the story of the wicket. It’s one of those few tracks where the bowlers have a real chance of being the heroes. It is very conducive to the spinners and offers a lot of turn.

Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai

Eden Gardens, Kolkata (Kolkata)
Built 1864
One of the oldest stadia of India, Eden Gardens has been the most revered venue for cricketers around the world. When packed to its full capacity, Eden Gardens is deafened with the roars of close to 1,00,000 passionate fans.
The stadium has hosted 35 Tests and 21 ODIs since 1934 and has been a witness to several glorious moments of cricket.
That miraculous day when India snatched the victory from the jaws of defeat against Australia in 2001 glorified the greatness of the venue even more. VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid and Harbhajan Singh were the three men who made the Eden Gardens look more beautiful than most stadiums in the world.
The last ODI on this ground was a washed-out affair between India and Sri Lanka in 2007.
The Eden pitch, like most others, has been a little partial towards the batsmen and has produced decent amount of runs. The winter-dew has been a concern among the captains in day-night matches.
Incidentally, only once has a team managed to post a total of over 300 in an ODI and the honour goes to Sri Lanka - they scored 309 against Pakistan in 1997. Two best performers of that match – Sanath Jayasuriya (55 runs) and Muttiah Muralitharan (3 for 40) – are still a part of the visiting team.

Eden Gardens, Kolkata (Kolkata)

Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Built: 1961
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium, located in the Pink City of Jaipur is one of the most improved cricketing venues of India. It underwent a thorough refurbishment in 2005, as a preparation for the six Champions Trophy games it hosted the year after.
While the seating capacity was upped to 30,000, the major enhancement was the installation of floodlights. The venue hosted its solitary Test in 1987 and has witnessed 16 One-day internationals since 1983.
The bowlers can exploit the early bounce before the pitch eases out into a flat batting track. Sri Lankan bowlers, comprising the likes of Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas bore the brunt of the batting beauty when Mahendra Singh Dhoni carted them for 183 in 145 deliveries in 2005.
Though spinners can create some opportunities during the later part of the game, the quick outfield of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium only makes life easier for the batsmen and gives them good value for their shots.

Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium (New Delhi)
Built in 1883
One of the oldest cricket stadiums in India, Feroz Shah Kotla was built in 1883. It derives its name from one of the emperors of Delhi, Feroz Shah Tuglaq, who had built a fortress during his rule between 1351 and 1388. The modern stadium is part of the imposing fortress complex. The stadium has the distinction of hosting Independent India’s first Test match against the John Goddard-led West Indies team in 1948-49.
Traditionally known to be a spinners delight, Kotla has witness some memorable performances by spinners. In 1965, S Venkatraghavan had run through the New Zealand batting line-up with splendid figures of 8 for 72 and 4 for 80. In 1999, Anil Kumble emulated Jim Laker’s world record by taking a perfect 10 for 74 against Pakistan.
Currently, the stadium is undergoing renovation. It now boasts of floodlights and all other modern amenities and has a capacity of 40,000. The Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA), which manages the stadium, is working on laying brand new pitches, which are believed to aid fast bowlers.

Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium (New Delhi)

Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
Built 1951
The Barabati Stadium in Cuttack has a capacity of about 35,000 spectators. The ground has hosted 15 One-day internationals since 1982 and two Tests since 1987. It’s a beautiful stadium and one of its distinguishing features is its clock tower.
The last ODI at the venue was when India defeated England by six wickets in November, 2008.
The Barabati wicket is often a sporting one, as it offers a good contest between bat and ball. It becomes a good batting track after assisting the fast bowlers in the first hour and also offers good bounce as well.
The dew factor comes into play during the day-night encounters, which explains why the teams chasing totals have won 8 of the 15 ODIs played here.
While the lush-green outfield makes fielding an enjoyable experience, the evening dew on the grass does soften the ball to the batsmen’s liking.
It has been a happy hunting ground for India, as they have won 8 out of the 13 ODIs played here, with one match abandoned due to rain.

Barabati Stadium, Cuttack

Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, VCA Stadium (Nagpur)
Built in 2008
The newly-built stadium at Jamtha has already acquired a reputation of being one of the best in the country.
It boasts of a true wicket, where both batsmen and bowlers can use the conditions to their advantage. The first match that it hosted was the 4th Test between India and Australia (Nov, 2008), which India won by 172 runs. Interestingly, the Aussie spinner Jason Krejza had finished with 12 wickets and Harbhajan Singh with seven.
Spread over 33 acres, it has all the modern amenities, including wi-fi environment and a capacity of accommodating 45,000 people.

Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, VCA Stadium (Nagpur)

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Built: 1916
Named after the former president of Indian board, MA Chidambaram, the stadium is one of the most historic in India. Popularly known as Chepauk, the ground has been witness to some of the most memorable moments of Indian cricket, which include India’s first ever Test victory in 1951-52 against England and the famous tied Test of 1986-87 against Australia. Sachin Tendulkar’s match-winning hundred against England in 2008 and the one against Pakistan in 1999 also came on this ground.
Chepauk has always been known for its sporting track and around 50,000 knowledgeable cricket spectators, when in full capacity. As many as 18 of the 30 Tests played here have produced results, with India winning 12 of them. The ODIs here generally produce big scores and the wicket is much friendlier to spinners than to pace bowlers. The ground also boasts of a nice, green and quick outfield through which the ball often rushes to the fence, much to the batsmen’s delight. Ask a certain Saeed Anwar, who blasted a world record 194 runs in the Independence Cup ODI against India in 1997.

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

HPCA Stadium, Dharmasala (Himachal Pradesh)
Built in 2003
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala is undoubtedly the most picturesque cricket ground in India with the Himalayas providing a perfect backdrop. Situated at an altitude of 1457 m above sea level, it first hosted a warm-up match between the touring Pakistan team and the Indian Board President’s XI in 2005. A rather small cricket ground, it can accommodate 21,000 spectators.
With temperatures ideal for cricket during the summers, it makes for a great venue with a sporting track, lush green outfield and modern amenities, including flood lights. Besides, hosting Ranji matches for the host Himachal team, it is also used by the National Cricket Academy for its zonal camps.
It will be hosting two IPL-3 matches of Kings XI Punjab; one against Deccan Chargers and the other against Chennai Super Kings

HPCA Stadium, Dharmasala (Himachal Pradesh)

IPL - Teams squad

IPL - Teams

	Chennai Super Kings		Deccan Chargers		Delhi Daredevils
	Kings XI Punjab		Kolkata Knight Riders		Mumbai Indians
	Rajasthan Royals		Royal Challengers Bangalore

No favourites in Twenty20

Kolkata are well prepared for this year's tournament. We practised all year round and have spotted a few talented Indian youngsters

Sourav Ganguly

March 11, 2010

	Sourav Ganguly: The DY Patil Stadium "definitely qualifies as one of the world's best cricket stadiums" © AFP
WWW.cricketbull.com

This is the third season of the Indian Premier League and it really makes one wonder how quickly time flies. It still seems just the other day that this mega-event got rolling. We are ready to play the first game of the new season and the boys are all geared up, mentally and physically. The first game of a tournament is always crucial from various aspects and we are raring to make a strong start.

We face Deccan Chargers, last year's winners, in our first match. Though they are the defending champions I'm pretty sure they will have to start from scratch, like any other team, in this tournament. The simple reason is that the Twenty20 format has no favourites - you can have no one claiming that they will walk out and maintain a winning streak.

The Deccan's four overseas cricketers are Andrew Symonds, Herschelle Gibbs, Chaminda Vaas and the captain, Adam Gilchrist. That's some fire-power in that line-up! Gilly and company must be happy to be playing their home matches away from Hyderabad because they have a horrible record at home. They have won none of the nine matches [including the Champions League] they played at their original home, which would have definitely had a bearing on their mind had they been playing there this year. Maybe the change of residence will bring Gilchrist's team better luck in the new season.

The DY Patil Stadium is a treat for the eye. I have never seen it before, leave alone played here, and I was pleasantly surprised by its appearance and was even more astonished when I was informed that it is owned by a university. It definitely qualifies as one of the world's best cricket stadiums.

I am sure there will be an electrifying atmosphere during our first game. The wicket has been re-laid, the person in charge of the 22 yards is a former India player and my one-time team-mate Abey Kuruvilla. I am sure he will give us a wicket with just the right kind of bounce and carry to facilitate both the fast bowlers and the stroke-makers.Twenty20 is generally considered a feast of runs, with nothing much for the bowlers. A good 22 yards, with even pace and bounce, at times balances the contest. The first sighting of the pitch indicates that there will be nothing much for the spinners.

We do have an attack that can exploit any given condition. There is a group of fast bowlers who, I am sure, will generate pace on any sort of wicket. As a captain I am looking to them to provide early breakthroughs.

We have prepared well for this year's tournament. We practised all year round and have proceeded carefully in spotting a few talented Indian youngsters. Much effort has gone into polishing them so I am looking forward to the Indian players to deliver this IPL. The likes of Manoj Tiwary, Cheteshwar Pujara, Wriddhiman Saha, Ishant Sharma, Ashok Dinda and Murali Kartik have a fantastic platform to showcase their talent, put across to the selectors how good they are and make a name and a career for themselves.

For the start of the new IPL season we have the services of Brad Hodge, Owais Shah, Charl Langeveldt, Angelo Mathews, Ajantha Mendis and Mashrafe Mortaza. We will be joined shortly by Chris Gayle, Shane Bond and David Hussey. It really will be tough for the team management to decide what would be the best combination of foreign players for us. But it is a situation we don't mind - the more the merrier.

Sourav Ganguly led India in 49 Tests between 2000 and 2005, winning 21

 Feeds: Sourav Ganguly

Deccan, Kolkata miss overseas stars in opener

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March 11, 2010

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Match facts

Friday, March 12
Start time 2000 (1430 GMT)

Big picture

It's the first of 60 matches: The defending champions taking on wooden-spoon winners, after a flashy opening ceremony, amid high security at a stadium neither calls home. What stakes does the first bout of IPL 2010 hold, when the contestants know they have 13 to follow? Not much in isolation, given the unpredictability of the format and the duration of the tournament, but Kolkata Knight Riders, who've won only nine out of 28 previous IPL matches during campaigns fraught with controversy, would love to hit the ground running.

Kolkata's build-up to Friday's opening game has been quieter than in the first two seasons. They appointed a coach who prefers to stay behind the scenes, and not quote Sun Tzu; they named one captain for the entire tournament rather than pass the responsibility around; and they've had fewer chest-beating advertisements on television. Their owner, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, has, by his standards, flown under the radar. One of the few off-field developments that made headlines was their new purple and gold strip. They were even involved in the few trades that took place during the transfer window, and used it to strengthen their batting. Could the toning down of the razzmatazz that made the Knight Riders the most flamboyant team despite horrendous results engineer an on-field reform?

For proof that it can be done, they only need to look at their opponents. Deccan Chargers finished last in the opening season, winning only two games and none at home in Hyderabad. They too made significant changes - a new captain and coach - for the second season in South Africa and were surprise winners. However, they are not among the most formidable teams this season: their squad contains overseas players who are either out of form or short on match-practice; their bowlers had struggled to contain on India's flat batting surfaces and were more effective in South Africa.

Team talk

Kolkata have only six overseas players to choose from at the moment: Brad Hodge, Owais Shah, Ajantha Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Mashrafe Mortaza and Charl Langeveldt. The likes of Brendon McCullum, Chris Gayle, David Hussey and Shane Bond will join the squad only after their international commitments. It's likely that Mendis and Mortaza will be the ones to miss out on the opening game. Ajit Agarkar did not train on the eve of the match because of a calf strain and is likely to sit out as well. Kolkata signed up an Under-19 player, Mandeep Singh, 48 hours ago and he is reportedly in their scheme of things.

Deccan don't have a choice regarding their overseas players for the first game. They have only four in the squad so Adam Gilchrist, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Symonds and Chaminda Vaas will play. It's a bit of a concern since Gilchrist, Symonds and Vaas have been out of competitive cricket while Gibbs has been struggling for form with South Africa. They have a strong Indian contingent, though, with VVS Laxman and Rohit Sharma bolstering the batting, and RP Singh and Pragyan Ojha leading the bowling.

Previously…

Kolkata beat Deccan in both matches during the 2008 season: by five wickets at home and by 23 runs away. Deccan, however, won both matches during the 2009 season in South Africa, beating Kolkata by eight and sixwickets.

In the spotlight

Charl Langeveldt v Deccan's openers: Adam Gilchrist has spent another year without playing much competitive cricket and his opening partner Gibbs isn't in prime form anymore. In Langeveldt, Kolkata possess a clever bowler capable of taking crucial wickets and Gilchrist's will be the prize scalp. Langeveldt played only one game last season so, if given an opportunity tomorrow, he'll be keen to stake his claim before Shane Bond arrives.

Owais Shah: Kolkata acquired Shah from Delhi this season, in exchange for Moises Henriques, to bolster a batting line-up that is missing McCullum, Gayle and Hussey during the early stages. Shah spent the entire season on the sidelines for Delhi in 2009 so he'll be desperate to make an impact in his first IPL opportunity. Those who watched his 72 off 48 balls in an ODI in Bangalore, and his 98 against South Africa in the Champions Trophy will know what damage Shah can cause with his innovative technique.

Prime numbers

Kolkata possess the two highest run-scorers in Twenty20 cricket. Hodge has 2547 runs in 77 innings at a strike-rate of 129 and David Hussey has scored 2355 runs at a strike-rate of 139.

Adam Gilchrist was the second highest run-scorer in IPL 2009 - 495 at a strike-rate of 152. RP Singh was the tournament's highest wicket-taker, with 23 at an economy-rate of just under seven an over.

The chatter

"Everyone team is affected by the international schedule. It is not a surprise. We are only one of the teams who are not full-strength as yet. But it is about the Indian contingent and how they perform that can often determine the results."
Adam Gilchrist isn't too concerned by the shortage of overseas players for the first game.

"It's a new set up at KKR. We have done the best in everything we can, hopefully we will deliver. I am not too keen to talk about the past. We have a good atmosphere."
Sourav Ganguly isn't dwelling on poor campaigns of the past.

IPL 2010

HERE IS near

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