No guarantees. In a format that leaves the master tactician mug faced, it’s important to cling on.Deccan Chargers dominated but Kolkata played the key moments better. The campaign might not have got to the best start but Chargers can take a lot from the opener and see the clash against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday with lucidity.

An influential leader in Adam Gilchrist will not allow the minor slip affect the morale. Momentum has been a divided topic in the IPL but it is important to have the results in place early on as the better team need not win necessarily. A 20-over game does not demand sustained brilliance. A 30-minute act of sledge hammering could also get the job done.

The two sides measure up fairly interestingly on paper. Bowling will be an area of concern for both captains but the batting might is awesome. Blessed with some of the most powerful strikers, runs should come as easy rain in the Andes. The Chepauk wicket provides bounce and the strong top layer usually allows the batsmen to wade through the line.

There is time and space for percentage cricket in T20. A lot will depend on Rohit Sharma and Andrew Symonds and there was no excuse for their shot selection at Navi Mumbai. Most games on these flat tracks are going to be decided by the batsmen and there is little that separates the two units when it comes to that. When the situation calls for consolidation, it’s better to abide. Anirudh Singh playing ahead of Venugopal Rao was another move the think tank might have rued. This could be the only change for the weekend. Venu’s understanding of the big stage should serve the team better.

The rhythm of Chaminda Vaas ensures a quality contest against the murdering blade of Mathew Hayden. The veteran is canny with the seam and is adept at taking the pace of the ball; these are vital ingredients to succeed against the burly hitters. If R.P. Singh can recreate a portion of his 2009 magic, Chargers will have no one to fear. To keep Hayden quiet during power play will not be easy but if that can be done, half the battle is won.

M.S. Dhoni has more options up his sleeve. If he decides to go ahead with off-spinner R. Ashwin, then it creates a slot for an additional foreign player. Ashwin’s improved batting and fielding makes him an ideal candidate. But Muttiah Muralitharan is the most economical bowler in IPL and to leave him out will be a tough choice. With Albie Morkel opening the attack, it will be interesting to see how Dhoni utilises the services of Sudeep Tyagi and L. Balaji.

In Suresh Raina, CSK command the most improved limited overs batsman. Rohit and Raina play similar roles with the bat and their part time spin. The contest between the two talented youngsters should form a riveting sub plot.