Deccan hope for turnaround after break

Match facts

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Deccan Chargers have had a week to get over the last-ball heist by Rohit Sharma in Visakhapatnam, a game the Chargers shouldn't have lost. For a team struggling on form and balance, they had an opportunity to put one across the tournament contenders, but panicked. It could have been a different story if they hadn't bowled so many full tosses, and if Dale Steyn had more support. Against Rajasthan Royals, they will start as underdogs.

The Royals hit the summit of the points table after their win against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Ajinkya Rahane slaughtered the relatively inexperienced Indian bowlers in the attack and the Chargers bowling attack isn't the most threatening. There could be a case to give Brad Hodge an opportunity right at the top of the order, if Rahul Dravid moves down.

Players to watch

At this point, the Chargers would love to have a bowler as good as Dale Steyn to partner him. His countryman Richard Levi got a working over in Visakhapatnam, playing, missing, weaving and losing his middle stump. He bowled with the kind of pace rarely seen on Indian pitches and conceded just 12 off his four overs for his three wickets. In hindsight, his captain should have bowled him for the final over.

Siddharth Trivedi has been an unsung hero for the Royals, picking up 47 wickets in 50 games overall. He compensates for his lack of pace with his nagging line, bowled from back of a length. He attacked the stumps regularly against Royal Challengers, getting all wickets bowled. On a slow pitch, he can be difficult to get away.

2011 head-to-head

These teams played each other just once last season, with the Royals chasing down 138 easily winning by eight wickets in Hyderabad. Johan Botha was the top scorer for the Royals with an unbeaten 67.

Stats and trivia