Deccan Chargers was the first franchise to represent Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League. Although they finished last in the first edition, the Chargers executed a comeback by winning the trophy in 2009. However, the franchise was subject to multiple controversies, and after the 2012 edition, the team was dissolved. A few Deccan Chargers cricketers, though, are still active in the competition.
When the teams for season one was out, everyone was excited about Deccan Chargers. They had VVS Laxman at the helm, and the side comprised top players like Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Symonds, Chaminda Vaas and Shahid Afridi. They did not do service to the talent within the squad in the initial campaign but made amends later on. Here are the former Deccan Chargers players who will be playing in the upcoming campaign.
1. Rohit Sharma
When he joined the Deccan Chargers in 2008, Rohit Sharma was fairly a newbie in the international circuit. However, the right-hander from Mumbai was one of the best batsmen for his team in the first edition. In the later tournaments, as well, Rohit was good for the franchise.
In the IPL 2011 auctions, Mumbai Indians spent a hefty amount in hiring the services of their home-grown cricketer. Since then, Rohit has won multiple trophies for the franchise. He will now look to complete a hat-trick of trophy wins in 2021.
2. Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan is probably one of very few Deccan Chargers cricketers that one remembers in that trademark dark blue jersey. The opener had joined the unit after the third IPL season. Shikhar did have a few good games with the franchise.
After DC was dissolved, ‘Gabbar’ played for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the next few seasons. He is now currently at the Delhi Capitals and will have the responsibility of providing great starts to his home franchise.
3. Ishant Sharma
After three seasons with Kolkata Knight Riders, Ishant Sharma joined the Deccan Chargers. He played for them only in 2011 and collected eleven wickets from 12 games in that season. It was a decent return for the tall pacer from Delhi.
It has been a journey in IPL for Ishant since then. There was a phase when he was not considered in the tournament, and recently, the veteran has rediscovered his touch in the limited-overs with good performances for the Delhi Capitals. If he is fit, Ishant will be the preferred domestic pacer in the XI for the franchise.
4. Dan Christian
Dan Christian is also one of the Deccan Chargers cricketers who are still active in IPL. It was while he was in this franchise that Christian actually had one of his best phases in the competition. In 21 games for them, the Aussie collected 19 wickets and scored 335 runs.
At IPL 2021, the experienced campaigner will represent the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He will most likely play a crucial role in the lower middle-order of the franchise. A few bowling duties will also be expected of the cricketer.
5. Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra has been one of the underrated cricketers in the league. In the two seasons that he played for Deccan Chargers, the leggie was in fine form. Across 28 games, the Haryana cricketer picked 32 wickets and was one of their best bowlers.
IPL 2020 saw the early exit of Amit Mishra through an injury. In the upcoming campaign, though, he could have an important role to play. On every pitch that supports spin, Delhi Capitals are likely to field Amit Mishra.
