Hyderabad may have been denied its share of IPL-3 but the countless fans of defending champions Deccan Chargers got a golden chance to see their favourite cricketers in action at an exhibition match organised by the team’s principal partner, Idea Cellular, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium here on Monday.

The Chargers were divided into two teams — Chargers 1 and 2 — the first being led by Adam Gilchrist while the latter captained by Tirumalsetti Suman. Speaking to the media before the start, Gilchrist said, “It is a nice opportunity to get some match practice under your belt before the big event begins.”

Asked about the Chargers’ preparation for IPL-3, Gilchrist said, “We don’t have our squad in full strength and it’s frustrating. Most of them are playing in various other places but the mood in the camp is solid and we are more than ready to defend our title.”

Gilchrist also said there were no injury concerns in the side, “Touch wood, none as of now.” Asked how IPL-3 would be different from IPL-2, Chargers coach Darren Lehmann said, “For starters its back in India and all the players are excited about playing at home. We hope to put some wins on the board early.”