Deccan Chargers unleashes war cry

The Deccan Chargers entered the cricketing arena with a war cry on Tuesday as their jubilant captain, V.V.S. Laxman, said that quality cricket is great entertainment in itself and does not need any Bollywood star to promote it. The skipper’s comment was given added impetus by the thunderous drumming which accompanied the colourful launch of Deccan Chargers, the the Deccan Chronicle IPL team for Hyderabad, at Novotel in Hitex on Tuesday evening.
“I think ultimately IPL is a cricket tournament and people will come to see great cricketers playing,” said Laxman. “With my colleagues I’ll try to play the best cricket we can. That’s the biggest entertainment for a cricket fan.”
The team would be represented by a charging bull, signifying strength, power and aggression while the red and gold bands on the flag stand for dominance and victory. Deccan Chargers have already acquired a fan following, going by the enthusiastic messages scrawled over the board. ‘Blast the rest,’ read one, ‘Charge your way through, Deccan,’ said another.
Vice-captain Adam Gilchrist of Australia said in a video message that he was very excited at being the vice-captain of the Deccan Chargers. While thanking the Deccan Chronicle for “setting the team up in a professional manner,” Gilchrist said he was “looking forward to forming a great relationship with the passionate fans.” Laxman also lauded the efforts of Deccan Chronicle in getting Hyderabad a team in the IPL. “Cricket is not only passion or religion but karma; it’s part of everyone’s lives,” he said. “Over the next few years we will have more youngsters from this part of the country representing India.”
“Deccan Chronicle group has always believed in promoting sports including cricket and the Deccan Chargers is our way of contributing to this vision. We are confident that Deccan Chargers would inspire a whole new generation of young cricketers in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa to build on their talent and reach greater heights,” said Mr T. Venkattram Reddy, chairman, Deccan Chronicle. “We will always and play with this spirit,” said J. Krishnan, CEO of Deccan Chargers.
He also echoed Laxman’s words when he said there won’t be any film stars on the ground. “We’re talking about cricket here,” he added. “Our team is good enough to entertain the spectators. I don’t think we need any film stars to woo the crowd.” And Laxman added in good measure, “My and my team will go all out to entertain you.” “We will take cricket to the grassroots in Hyderabad, Andhra and Orissa by setting up academies of international standard which will groom youngsters and help them realise their dreams,” said Mr Krishnan.
Earlier, the show began with dynamic drum beats as the Hyderabad Cricket Association president and state labour minister, Mr G. Vinod, unfurled the team flag. It was interspersed by dances by a Latina trio and Sameera Reddy, not to forget the foot-tapping drumming by Taufeeq Qureshi and his band called Mumbai Stamps. Skipper Laxman and Coach Robin Singh were visibly proud. “I’m in an enviable position,” said the captain. “Any cricketer of my team can play at any position. So the team management can decide the batting order.”
Robin Singh was also happy to see so many match winners in one team. “I’ve played with some of them and have coached others,” he said. “It’s going to be tremendous experience.” And there need not be any anxiety about the Aussies in the team gelling with the Indians after the recent tempestuous tour. “I know Gilly (Adam Gilchrist) and Symmo (Andrew Symonds) very well,” said Laxman. “They are not only great cricketers, they are good human beings. Forget about sledging and concentrate on cricket.”
The entire squad of Deccan Chargers was also announced on the occasion. They include: V.V.S. Laxman (captain), Adam Gilchrist (vice-captain), Andrew Symonds, Herschelle Gibbs, Shahid Afridi, Chaminda Vaas, Scott Styris, Chamara Silva, Nuwan Zoysa, R.P. Singh, Rohit Sharma, N. Arjun Yadav, Dwaraka Ravi Teja, Pragyan Prayish Ojha, Doddapaneni Kalyankrishna, P. Vijay Kumar, Y. Venu Gopal Rao, Halhadhar Das, Sanjay Bangar and Sarvesh Kumar.