Adam Gilchrists re-appointment as Kings XI Punjab skipper may have come as a surprise to fans of the franchise,considering that he had announced last year that he would no longer feature in the IPL as a player. But there is a reason behind Gilchrists change of heart: his former Australia teammate Darren Lehmann has been made the KXIP coach and those who remember the 2009 edition will remember how Gilchrist as captain and Lehmann as coach combined to bag the title for Deccan Chargers. Speaking on his decision of returning to KXIP despite saying goodbye last season,Gilchrist said,Looking back at the last season,I did a lot of thinking. I had too much on my hands. I was doing multiple roles throughout the tournament but with Darren and WV Raman (assistant coach) coming in,I thought of coming back to the team and giving my best shot. In this scenario,I can concentrate on being the captain and a player for the team and make out successful strategies. Core team Gilchrist was quick to point out how his combination with Lehmann and fielding coach Mike Young who is also with KXIP now had helped Deccan Chargers win the 2009 title. Me,Darren and Mike Young had worked together for Deccan Chargers successfully. I am excited to have them by my side and get going for the season. We have some great memories of that IPL triumph in 2009. I am hoping that that combination will regenerate the same impact and we are able to reach the top. Gilchrist was the coach and also captain of KXIP last season,but missed a few matches with a hamstring injury. Adding more on his form and fitness,Gilchrist,41,who retired from international cricket five years ago,said,I had been playing cricket for some time back in Australia. I am enjoying the game like before. Moreover,I am feeling good about myself and my fitness. We have some exciting players like Mandeep Singh,Gurkeerat Mann and a few experienced campaigners like Praveen Kumar and Manpreet Gony. I am all pumped-up to be playing alongside them. Shaun Marsh,who has been a consistent performer for KXIP in previous seasons,will only be available after April 20,since he has undergone surgery on his hamstring. Speaking on the prospects of working with the Punjab-based team along with the old gang of Gilchrist and Young,Lehmann said,It is good to be working with the KXIP team and having Gilly as its captain. I have been working with the team for the past three-four days. I think we have a wonderful blend of youth and experience. With Gilly being the captain,I am sure we are going to be a very competitive side. T20 is a different format. You never know what is in store on a given day. I am sure we will be able to recreate the same magic we did in 2009,and reach in the final this time around. Lehmann,coach of the Brisbane Heat team that recently clinched the Big Bash in Australia,was coach of the Deccan Chargers outfit in previous seasons. But the Hyderabad-based franchise folded last season,paving way for the newly formed Hyderabad Sunrisers. Lehmann was overlooked for the coaching job at the Sunrisers,with former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody getting the nod. SRK to quote Tagore The Salt Lake Stadium will play host to the opening ceremony of the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League on Tuesday evening. The first game between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils - will be played on Wednesday. Following are the highlights of the opening ceremony * An estimated 100,000 people are expected to watch the opening ceremony during which KKR team owner Shah Rukh Khan will quote poet and essayist Rabindranath Tagore. * West Bengal Chief minister Mamata Banerjee will light the ceremonial lamp,after which Shah Rukh Khan will perform a dance-and-song gig with Katrina Kaif and Dipika Padukone. * American rapper Pitbull,roped in after a deal to sign singer-cum-actress Jennifer Lopez fell through,is also scheduled to perform for 30 minutes. Flying drummers,Chinese percussionists have prominent segments. * All nine captains of IPL teams will attend the opening ceremony. However,concerns remain over power supply because a World Cup qualifier featuring Brazil was interrupted in 2004 after power failure,while two years ago Argentine Lionel Messi had to skip a press conference as the stadium plunged into darkness. Shamik Chakrabarty opening ceremony live from 8pm,set max
