Reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Deccan Chargers have the balance tilted so heavily in their favour that only complacency can derail them in Saturday's encounter against Somerset.
Under the inspirational Adam Gilchrist, the Chargers, at least on paper, possess an arsenal of explosive batsmen and fiery bowlers, who can easily beat any opponent.
Gilchrist may have quit international cricket but the swashbuckling left-hander can still tear apart any bowling attack, as he did frequently in the second IPL in South Africa. The tournament will also be special for all-rounder Andrew Symonds, who would like to make a statement after Australia dumped him on disciplinary grounds.
Rohit Sharma too will look to make the most of the opportunity available to win back his place in the Indian team. Having VVS Laxman and Scott Styris will also lend solidity to the side.
Meanwhile in the bowling department, Chargers have the experience of Chaminda Vaas, RP Singh and Pragyan Ojha, who can take care of the opponents.
"We don't carry any extra burden," Gilchrist said.
Somerset, on the other hand, would rely heavily on captain Justin Langer and Marcus Trescothick to make their mark in the high-profile event.
Maintaining that playing in the Champions League is a "great opportunity" for the team, Langer said his team-mates would have to get their act right to script an upset.
"There is no dearth of talent in the team and we have to do well in the big moments," he said.
Teams
Deccan Chargers: Adam Gilchrist (C), VVS Laxman, Venugopal Rao, Andrew Symonds, Scott Styris, Shoaib Ahmed, Rohit Sharma, Harmeet Singh, Chaminda Vaas, T Suman, RP Singh, Fidel Edwards, Ryan Harris, Pragyan Ojha and Azhar Bilakhia.
Somerset: Justin Langer (C), Omari Banks, Max Waller, Peter Trego, Arul Suppiah, Zander de Bruyn, Wes Durston, Craig Kieswetter, Charl Willoughby, Marcus Trescothick, Alfonso Thomas, Ben Philips, PS Jones, Jos Buttler, James Hildreth.
