The Hindu : Sport : Gilchrist takes over as Deccan Chargers skipper

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Gilchrist takes over as Deccan Chargers skipper

Principal Correspondent

— File Photo

Gilchrist.

Hyderabad: Former Australian wicketkeeper and flamboyant opener Adam Gilchrist will replace V.V.S. Laxman as captain of Deccan Chargers with immediate effect in the Indian Premier League, according to Tim Wright, chief executive of Deccan Chargers.

“Adam Gilchrist commands respect within the team and right around the cricket world. He has redefined the role of wicketkeeper-batsman in modern cricket,” said Tim Wright in a statement released here on Monday.

“I am confident Adam Gilchrist will unite Deccan Chargers’ outstanding talent. Four members of our squad were on the India tour of Sri Lanka, more than any other IPL team, and the quality of our overseas players is well known,” the CEO said.

“At a lunch a month ago to celebrate the birth centenary of Sir Donald Bradman, John Bradman said his father thought Gilchrist was a sublime talent second to none, and a man of immense modesty and integrity.”

Reacting to the decision, Adam Gilchrist said in a statement: “It’s a tremendous thrill and honour to become captain of the Deccan Chargers. I look forward to working hard with everybody towards making the team successful.”

Lehmann appointed

In another move, Deccan Chargers have appointed Darren Lehmann as Head Coach. Lehmann scored the winning runs in the 1999 World Cup final at Lord’s and helped Australia retain the World Cup in 2003.

“We are delighted to be giving Darren Lehmann his first post as coach and have no doubt he will be a great success. He has already brought considerable energy into the group and has a no-nonsense approach to winning cricket matches. Lehmann is in India this week to run player trials in Hyderabad. We are looking to build a solid talent base for the future,” said Tim Wright.

Principal Correspondent in Bangalore reports

No comments

V.V.S. Laxman, meanwhile, refused to react to the development.

“I am concentrating only on the Australian series and all my energies are focussed on that and I have no comments to offer on this issue,” Laxman said.

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