The first match of the third edition of the Indian Premier League will be played between the Deccan Chargers and the Kolkata Knight Riders. The Deccan Chargers had won the tournament in the previous season whereas the Kolkata Knight Riders ended last in the tournament. 
The Deccan Chargers will be led by Adam Gilchrist and will have some power-packed players amidst them. Unfortunately, the Chargers had not had a good run in the Champions League T20 that followed and that could have a bearing – questions will be asked of the side if they do not start off too well. 
The good news for the Chargers is that not only is Andrew Symonds totally fit, but also raring to go for the tournament and will be available through the entire duration of the tournament. This will mean that wit Gilchrist and Symonds in the line-up, much of the batting will be taken care of, while the newly imported Kemar Roach will be a first-choice bowler in the side. With Ryan Harris bowling the manner that he has been for the Aussies, he will be missed – but will join them later – and that could mean that Dwayne Smith should be the other all-rounder in the side.
The Knight Riders have a few worries of their own, and that includes the absence of Brendon McCullum and Chris Gayle – playing against Australia and Zimbabwe respectively – from the line-up.
However, the bowling line-up for the Knight Riders is much stronger than what one has seen in the recent and the clamour for places will mean that the side could be favourite to go one-up on the opposition if the pitch assists the quicker bowlers. However, they will do well to know that this is the same ground on which Gilchrist had smashed the Mumbai Indian bowlers to all parts of the ground to get to his blazing century.
Sporting Bet offers 8/13 for the Chargers to defend their crown with a win, whereas the Knight Riders will need to perform much better than 11/8 (Totesport) if they want to create a serious impression on the side.