Bangalore, April 03: Last year’s defending champions, the Deccan Chargers, are slipping increasingly behind in their race for a semi-final spot, with just 3 wins from 7 matches, and coach Darren Lehmann said that they needed to improve in all areas ahead of their key clash against table toppers Mumbai.
“It’s a big game on Saturday. We are looking to improve in all areas – batting, bowling and fielding,” said the former Australia batsman.
Lehmann said the team had worked out strategies against Mumbai captain Sachin Tendulkar and spinner Harbhajan Singh.
“We have some plans for Sachin. We bowled reasonably well to him last time. Harbhajan is in good form with the ball. The pitch is likely to suit him. But we have some strategies for him as well,” he said.
Lehmann said the team had the option of including Australian all rounder Ryan Harris and Chaminda Vaas who was left out of the last match to include West Indian fast bowler Kemar Roach.
“Vaas has bowled really well and will be considered as an option on Saturday,” he said.
VVS Laxman was also in the running to make the final XI after missing out on a few earlier games, he said.
Meanwhile, the Director (Cricket) of the Mumbai team, T A Sekar, said his team would want one or two more wins to seal a berth in the semis.
He stressed on the importance of the anchoring role that Tendulkar has played with so much elan in his team’s campaign so far and said the Little Master’s presence was a big psychological boost.
“Sachin’s anchoring role has helped us reach a good position. He has got the capability to bisect the field and get the odd four every over. His batting is the greatest advantage for us”, said the former India pacer.
———-Agencies