Gilchrist to lead Deccan Chargers, Lehmann new coach

Hyderabad, Sep 29 (IANS) In what will be seen as the first corporate sacking of Indian Premier League (IPL), Deccan Chargers Monday removed V.V.S Laxman as captain and Robin Singh as coach of the team

Chargers handed the captaincy reins to former Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist while another Australian Test player Darren Lehmann is the new coach.

Laxman and Singh were in the firing line as Deccan Chargers, despite boasting of a strong line-up, surprisingly finished at the bottom of the IPL standings, winning only two of their 14 matches.

Stylish Laxman, who has been long out of India's ODI team, could make little impact in the slam bang version and was out of the later part of the tournament with injury. Gilchrist had led the side in Laxman's absence.

Questions were raised about Laxman's ability to lead the side as Shahid Afridi kicked up a storm saying the Hyderabadi was not an inspiring captain.

'Chargers have appointed former Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist their team captain with immediate effect,' an official statement said.

Tim Wright, chief executive of Deccan Chargers said: 'Gilchrist commands respect within the team and right around the cricket world. He has redefined the role of wicketkeeper-batsman in modern cricket.'

'I am confident 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,' he added.

Gilchrist said he would work with the players to change the fortunes of the team in the second season.

'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.'

'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. 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 Wright.