Chandigarh, April 3
There is an eerie silence about the PCA Stadium at Mohali right now. But move a couple of floors above, into the main building, and as you are about to approach the Kings XI Punjab offices, the buzz keeps getting louder. Frantic activity, instructions being blared out… you come to realize in an instant, that there is a brigade all set for war. And almost fittingly, the man in-charge here is an Armyman, the COO of KXIP, Colonel Arvinder Singh.

We won most of our home games last season. It was playing away that cost us a place in the play-offs. — Col Arvinder Singh

“We are prepared. All the planning, the ideation, all of it has reached a point where it comes to life out on the field. The time for action is here, and I am sure, each and everyone of us is keenly looking forward to it now,” says Arvinder.

“We do realize that we have been falling short at the crucial moments. We were written off last season, but we proved that we are no whipping boys. We won back-to-back games as well. This League, in fact this format, is all about momentum. We want to improve in all departments, and I am sure with a support staff that includes the likes of John Henry Dawes, Mike Young and Vikram Rathore, we will be up to the challenges ahead.”

The team now has many all rounders, and Arvinder says they have tried to bring in a method to the madness. “We won most of our home games last season. It was playing away that cost us a place in the play-offs. We looked into it, and realized that our bowling needed some diversity. So the team bought Ramesh Powar as a second spinner. James Faulkner came in as a left-arm pacer, as did local boy Harmeet Bansal, who has played under Gilchrist previously.”

But what about the players who did well for them last season, especially a certain Paul Valthaty. “He is a boy who has his head firmly on his shoulders. Everyone admires his work ethic and he has a fabulous equation with Gilchrist. I am sure that with Gilly around, we wont have too many issues with keeping any of the players motivated.”

About the team’s hopes for this season Arvinder replies with a smile, “It is to go for the title, with all that we have. We are a team that don’t believe in half-measures. We have the desire, the talent and the setup. But there is a thin line between failure and success, we have walked it before, this time, I just hope we can walk through it as well.”

Kings XI Punjab They have been a mixed bag at best in the past four seasons. Having been extremely close to making the semis twice, and also seen what the bottom of the table looks like, this season they have taken a very thorough approach to on-field businees. Gilchrist will lead a team loaded with domestic talent, and big T20 players like Dimitry Mascrenhas and David Hussey as well. Key Players: Shaun Marsh, David Hussey, Paul Valthaty. Home Ground: PCA Stadium, Mohali and HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala Home Matches: April 12: vs Pune Warriors, Mohali, 8 pm April 18: vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Mohali, 8 pm April 20: vs Royal Challengers, Mohali, 8 pm April 25: vs Mumbai Indians, Mohali, 4 pm May 5: vs Rajasthan Royals, Mohali, 8 pm May 13: vs Deccan Chargers, Mohali, 8 pm May 17: vs Chennai Super Kings, Dharamsala, 4 pm May 19: vs Delhi Daredevils, Dharamsala, 4 pm

Chennai super kings The all-conquering Chennai Super Kings are led by Indian captain MS Dhoni, they are owned by BCCI president N Srinivasan. The final of the Indian Premier League last year and this year as well, will be played at their home ground... there is really nothing more to say, apart from the fact that they are as big a force off the field, as they are on it. Key Players: Ravindra Jadeja, Murali Vijay and Mike Hussey Home Ground: M.A. Chidambram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai Home Matches: April 4: vs Mumbai Indians, Chennai, 8 pm April 12: vs Royal Challengers, Chennai, 4 pm April 19: vs Pune Warriors, Chennai, 8 pm April 21: vs Rajasthan Royals, Chennai, 4 pm April 28: vs Kings XI Punjab, Chennai, 4 pm April 30: vs Knight Riders, Chennai, 8 pm May 4: vs Deccan Chargers, Chennai, 8 pm May 12: vs Delhi Daredevils, Chennai, 8 pm

Deccan chargers It has been a really interesting story for Deccan Chargers, led by Kumar Sangakkara, so far. They were a star-studded side for the first season, but ended as a super dud. Something hadn’t clicked, but they were back witha vengeance in the second season as they took the title in South Africa. It has been an up and down ride since but they have bought smart this time. Key Players: Dan Christian, Ishant Sharma and Jean Paul Duminy Home Ground: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad, ACA-VDCA Stadium, Vishakhapatnam, Barabati Stadium, Cuttack. Home Matches: April 7: vs Chennai Super Kings, Vishakhapatnam, 8 pm April 9: vs Mumbai Indians, Vishakhapatnam, 8 pm April 22: vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Cuttack, 8 pm May 1: vs Pune Warriors, Cuttack, 4 pm May 8: vs Kings XI Punjab, Hyderabad, 8 pm May 10: vs Delhi Daredevils, Hyderabad, 4 pm May 18: vs Rajasthan Royals, Hyderabad, 8 pm May 20: vs Royal Challengers, Hyderabad, 4 pm

Delhi Daredevils The Delhi Daredevils, led by Virender Sehwag, have a pattern about starting every IPL season. They are envied before the action begins, and are looked at in disbelief afterwards. With a batting lineup to die for, they have good bowlers like Morne Morkel. But they have never justified their potential. Time to change all of that? Viru would tell you, certainly yes! Key Players: David Warner, Irfan Pathan and Kevin Pietersen Home Ground: Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, New Delhi Home Matches: April 10: vs Chennai Super Kings, New Delhi, 8 pm April 19: vs Deccan Chargers, New Delhi, 4 pm April 21: vs Pune Warriors, New Delhi, 8 pm April 27: vs Mumbai Indians, New Delhi, 8 pm April 29: vs Rajasthan Royals, New Delhi, 4 pm May 7: vs Kolkata Knight Riders, New Delhi, 8 pm May 15: vs Kings XI Punjab, New Delhi, 8 pm May 17: vs Royal Challengers, New Delhi, 8 pm

Kolkata Knight Riders The most glamorous team in the IPL by a long shot. Their owner Shah Rukh Khan has ensured that despite parting ways with local favourite Sourav Ganguly last year, the team has not lost out on popularity. Now led by Gautam Gambhir, they have enough stars for a galaxy, but are they enough to win the title as well? Key Players: Yusuf Pathan, Jacques Kallis and Brett Lee Home Ground: The Eden Gardens, Kolkata Home Matches: April 5: vs Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata, 8 pm April 13: vs Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata, 8 pm April 15: vs Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata, 4 pm April 24: vs Deccan Chargers, Kolkata, 8 pm April 28: vs Royal Challengers, Kolkata, 8 pm May 5: vs Pune Warriors, Kolkata, 4 pm May 12: vs Mumbai Indians, Kolkata, 4 pm May 14: vs Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata, 8 pm

Mumbai Indians The biggest and the most famous team in the IPL, the Mumbai Indians have improved steadily over the past four seasons. After a disappointing start to their IPL journey, they have bounced back to gain points and position in the League. With Harbhajan Singh taking over as the skipper, they have some real game-changers in their ranks now. Key Players: Sachin Tendulkar, Lasith Malinga and Rohit Sharma Home Ground: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Home Matches: April 6: vs Pune Warriors, Mumbai, 4 pm April 11: vs Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai, 8 pm April 16: vs Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai, 8 pm April 22: vs Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai, 4 pm April 29: vs Deccan Chargers, Mumbai, 8 pm May 6: vs Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai, 4 pm May 9: vs Royal Challengers, Mumbai, 8 pm May 16: vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai, 8 pm

Pune Warriors India Into their second season of the Indian Premier League, the Pune Warriors will be without their skipper Yuvraj Singh. But taking his place will be his mentor and one of India’s most dynamic leaders Sourav Ganguly. They have also got reinforcements after getting special clearance from BCCI. After almost pulling out of the League earlier, can they now pull off a miracle? Key Players: Michael Clarke, Robin Uthappa and Rahul Sharma Home Ground: Pune International Cricket Centre Stadium, Pune Home Matches: April 8: vs Kings XI Punjab, Pune, 8 pm April 14: vs Chennai Super Kings, Pune, 8 pm April 24: vs Delhi Daredevils, Pune, 4 pm April 26: vs Deccan Chargers, Pune, 8 pm May 3: vs Mumbai Indians, Pune, 4 pm May 8: vs Rajasthan Royals, Pune, 4 pm May 11: vs Royal Challengers, Pune, 8 pm May 19: vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Pune, 8 pm

Rajasthan Royals The miracle men from the first IPL season have lost some steam over the years. They have also lost their charismatic captain Shane Warne, who has been replaced by Indian legend Rahul Dravid. With what many consider to be an unbalanced side, the Royals will be once again fighting against public opinion. But it seems they prefer it that way. Key Players: Brad Hodge, Ajinkya Rahane and Shane Watson Home Ground: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur Home Matches: April 6: vs Kings XI Punjab, Jaipur, 8 pm April 8: vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Jaipur, 4 pm April 17: vs Deccan Chargers, Jaipur, 4 pm April 23: vs Royal Chalengersl, Jaipur, 8 pm May 1: vs Delhi Daredevils, Jaipur, 8 pm May 10: vs Chennai Super Kings, Jaipur, 8 pm May 13: vs Pune Warriors, Jaipur, 4 pm May 20: vs Mumbai Indians, Jaipur, 8 pm

Royal Challengers Bangalore This just has to be their season. They were erratic las t season and were overly dependent on the batting exploits of a burly West Indian, and while that might not be changing in a hurry, the Daniel Vettori-led side do have more ammunition with a super charged Virat Kohli, Tillkeratne Dilshan and many more big names in their side. Key Players: Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle and Zaheer Khan Home Ground: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore.  Home Matches: April 7: vs Delhi Daredevils, Bangalore, 4 pm April 10: vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Bangalore, 4 pm April 15: vs Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata, 8 pm April 17: vs Pune Warriiors, Bangalore, 8 pm April 25: vs Chennai Super Kings, Bangalore, 8 pm May 2: vs Kings XI Punjab, Bangalore, 8 pm May 6: vs Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata, 8 pm May 14: vs Mumbai Indians, Bangalore, 4 pm

New Delhi, April 3
He burst into the limelight with his heroics in the last edition of the Indian Premier League and Kings XI Punjab batsman Paul Valthaty said he will leave no stones unturned to turn on the heat on his rivals in IPL V.

Valthaty was an unknown face before IPL 4, but he became an overnight star as he scored 463 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 136.9 and and the 28-year-old cricketer said he will try to repeat his performance this year too.

"Naturally there will be more pressure this year. I have self belief and confidence that I will be able to handle that. In fact last year also when I scored a century against Chennai Super Kings in initial stage of the tournament, the expectations of my team and fans rose suddenly and I handled that pretty well," he said.

"I have worked very hard this time. I am prepared well but I am not complecent at all. It is a new season and I have to start afresh." The Mumbaikar said he wants to demonstrate his batting skills and take his team to semi finals.

"It's not about big hitting alone. There is scope of playing good shots as well and I am capable of doing that. My focus will be to play good knocks and our first target is semifinals. After that the contest will be wide open for every team," he said. — PTI

Chennai, April 3
Sights firmly set on a hat-trick of titles, defending champions Chennai Super Kings will open their campaign against last year's Champions League Twenty20 winner Mumbai Indians in the inaugural match of the Indian Premier League V here tomorrow.

The season's lung opener at the M A Chidambaram stadium could not have got any better as two of the strongest teams in the tournament will set the tone for the high-octane Twenty20 tournament over the next eight weeks.

Banking on their home advantage which enabled them to win back-to-back titles, the Chennai outfit, led by talismanic Mahendra Singh Dhoni, will be hoping for their third consecutive IPL crown, but for that to happen they will have to pull out all stops to ensure a winning start to their campaign as their rivals -- Mumbai Indians -- appear to hold a slender edge.

Dhoni, who led Chennai to two IPL titles and final and semi-final appearance once, besides the 2010 CLT20 crown, however, would like to put behind Team India's recent poor run and utilise the Twenty20 event to ease the pressure. Besides the big-hitting Dhoni, Chennai's batting looks solid with Suresh Raina, S Badrinath and M Vijay being joined by all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, whom the India Cements-owned team bought for a whopping USD 2 million during the IPL V auctions.

However, Chennai would miss the services of opener Mike Hussey and fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus for the initial part of the tournament as they are busy representing Australia in the Caribbean till the end of this month. — PTI

Colombo, April 3
Skipper Mahela Jayawardene cracked his second century in consecutive matches to pull Sri Lanka out of trouble in the second and final Test against England in Colombo today.

Jayawardene followed his match-winning 180 in the first Test in Galle with a classy 105 after seamer James Anderson had reduced the hosts to 30 for three within the first hour at P. Sara Oval.

Thilan Samaraweera (54) added 124 for the fourth wicket with his captain as Sri Lanka recovered to post 238 for six by stumps on the opening day in a remarkable re-run of the Galle Test.

Sri Lanka had slumped to 15-3 in the first four overs of the match at Galle, before Jayawardene and Samaraweera rescued the hosts by putting on a half-century partnership. A sell-out crowd of 5,000, mostly travelling English fans, applauded warmly when Jayawardene reached his 31st Test century with a single off left-arm spinner Samit Patel after tea.

The 34-year-old struck 11 fours and a six in his eighth hundred against England before he was trapped leg-before by off-spinner Graeme Swann with a sharp, turning delivery.

England, whose 75-run defeat at Galle followed a 3-0 rout by Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates earlier in the year, need a win to level the series and retain their number one ranking.

Andrew Strauss' men will slip to second spot behind South Africa if they lose or draw the match.

Jayawardene lost Samaraweera just before tea, leg-before to seamer Bresnan, but there was no respite for the England bowlers who toiled gamely under the hot sun. — AFP

Patiala, April 3
Appointed to check the violations against law, the police officials have been caught on the wrong foot with 6 of them flunking the dope tests in the recently concluded 60th All India Police Athletics Championship-2011 held at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, from March 12 to 15, 2012,

After 14 per cent of the total collected samples of school-level players were tested positive for banned substances during the 57th National School Games in the discipline of Boxing, Wrestling and Weightlifting that were held at New Delhi from December 28, 2010 to January 3, 2012, the 11 per cent dope positive cases during these Police Games are another shocker for the sports fraternity.

Talking to The Tribune in this regard, Director General of National Anti Doping Agency Rahul Bhatnagar informed that NADA in all had collected 55 samples during the competition out of which the A samples of 6 players have been found containing prohibited substances notified by World Anti Doping Agency (WADA). “This comes out to be 11 per cent which is much higher than the national average of 4 per cent. The substances reported are Stanozolol, Furosemide (Diuretics), Methandienone and Nandrolone and the athletes involved belong to Punjab Police, BSF, ITBP, CRPF and Odisha Police,” he added.

He said that even after one year of NADA writing letters to the sports wing of various police departments of the country to take strict action against the players who were working with these departments and found positive for various banned substances, such high percentage of dope positive cases is a cause of concern.

“The players tend to take drugs out of peer pressure and especially when it comes to the police, most of the time it is because of the pressure of delivering good results for promotions.,” added Bhatnagar.

Chandigarh, April 3
Sher-E-Punjab are the champions of the inaugural edition of the Bridgestone World Hockey Series. The determined Shers conquered the coveted honour in inimitable style, beating pugnacious but panicky Pune Strykers 5-2 here on Monday, to deservingly pocket the highest-ever prize money in the history of hockey.

In a contest played at a breathtaking pace, the opportunistic Strykers stunned the Shers with an early goal to electrify the huge crowd, but Shers took control of the game without any delay to ascertain their authority, striking spectacular goals at regular intervals.

Captain Prabhjot Singh again proved his class as he again came up with a brace of solo goals. Besides Prabhjot Singh, VS Vinaya and young gun Harpreet Singh struck penalty corners while the other goal came through the tireless Deepak Thakur.

Speedy Roshan Minz sprinted fast, fed Bikash Toppo on the right, who flicked high from near baseline to an almost zero angle to catch custodian Sukhjit Singh napping to fetch the first goal.

Batra was presented the man of the match award. Scores: Prampra CC : 233 for 6 , Malik Sports: 189.