Adam Gilchrist-led Deccan Chargers finished last in the inauguration edition of the Indian Premier League, but who knew that they were going to build history in the next edition. In the 2008 season, they managed to win just two matches, but in 2009 edition, they entered the finals and defeated star-studded Royal Challengers Bangalore in a thriller match.

Deccan Chargers Had A Disappointing Start:

Adam Gilchrist, Deccan Chargers, IPL 2009 — Adam Gilchrist. Image Credit: Twitter.

DC had a horrible start after they lost their captain Adam Gilchrist’s wicket in the first over for a duck. Anil Kumble’s googly left DC in a big loss.

But Herschelle Gibbs and Andrew Symonds played a responsible role and confronted the spinner’s attack. The Proteas rotated the strike while the hard-hitter Symonds attacked the bowler, playing quick-fire innings of 21 ball 33 runs which comprised of four fours and one maximum.

Gibbs held the innings from the other end building a small partnership with Rohit Sharma. He registered an unbeaten half-century in 48 balls, striking two sixes and three fours. Rohit scored 24 runs off 23 balls. However, Anil Kumble’s masterpiece didn’t let Deccan Chargers set up a big total. They set the target of 144 runs at the loss of six wickets.

Pragyan Ojha and Andrew Symonds changed the scenario:

Pragyan Ojha (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

144 was not a big target for RCB with the likes of Jacques Kallis, Virat Kohli, Mark Boucher, Rahul Dravid, and Ross Taylor in their batting line up. They had chased 146 runs in a previous match.

But the spinner Pragyan Ojha, who retired from cricket earlier this year, set the game for DC. He picked two early wickets which created pressure on RCB. On the other hand, pacer RP Singh didn’t leak runs and proved to be the most economical bowlers. He also bowled the proteas, Jacques Kallis.

Then further, Andrew Symonds did his job, claiming figures of 3-18-2. He picked back to back wickets of Virat Kohli and Ross Taylor. With one wicket in their hand, the Bangalore-based franchise lost the grand-finale by seven runs. Deccan Chargers created history winning their maiden IPL title under the captaincy of Adam Gilchrist.