Delhi, Punjab aim higher under new leaders

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New Delhi: While Deccan Chargers and Kolkata Knight Riders are locked in battle in the opening game of the Indian Premier League, Delhi Daredevils will be in Mohali shaping up for their game against Kings XI Punjab to kick-start their campaign.

Both the sides have had similar fortunes in the last two editions of the IPL. While Delhi have been losing semi-finalists in both the tournaments, Punjab have narrowly missed out on a spot in the last four on both occasions.

Both are out to set their records right, and a step further. Both the teams will be led by different captains - Delhi has Gautam Gambhir as skipper whereas Punjab have assigned Kumar Sangakkara the role.

Not settling on only similar weather patterns, Delhi and Punjab have much more in common in their ranks. Besides similar campaigns and new leaders, both sides bank on local flavour to spice up contests.

The biggest drawcards for both the teams are Indian superstars - Virender Sehwag for Delhi and Yuvraj Singh for Punjab. The rest of the teams' make-up is not as star-studded as most other franchises.

They are two of the better fielding sides in the competition and two of the strongest bowling attacks. Similarities run deep in this rivalry, but an opening clash between the two teams could be the start of something new.