The team which had a forgettable first season of the IPL is making all the right moves. It was highly charged performance by the Deccan Chargers against Bangalore Royal Challengers. Bangalore lost its second game in succession, the magic of Rahul Dravid not withstanding. Winning the toss, Gilchrist, captain of the Chargers chose to bat first. He said during the toss that whatever they do first, should execute it well and that he did with aplomb. Gilly himself blasted the Bangalore bowling to all corners of the stands with Gibbs, the local favourite giving him good company.

Gibbs eventually fell for 13 off the bowling of Praveen Kumar trying to play across the line,caught plumb in front. Laxman didn't lost long spooning a catch to Steyn,Ryder the beneficiary this time.In walked Rohit Sharma and batted with circumspect. Meanwhile, Gilchrist strode past his half century. A settled Rohit Sharma started opening up, hitting Anil Kumble for three sixes in one over. Bangalore captain took matters in his hands and introduced himself into the attack.He was immediately rewarded with the wicket of Gilchrist,but not before Gilly made a thunderous 71 studded with 5 sixes. Sharma played aggresively to get his half century with half a dozen sixes. Deccan posted a more than competitive 184/5 in 20 overs.

Bangalore had a nightmarish start losing Jesse Ryder in the first over itself. Kallis and Uthappa struggled to cope with a wonderful bowling of RP Singh and Fidel Edwards. Eventually both got out and Bangalore was tottering at 57/4 at the halfway stage. Pietersen's ego call to go after a Ojha got the better of him. Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli got together to revive the team's hopes. 'The Wall' was in majestic form playing a gutful innings and guiding a Kohli through his initial phase. Dravid through the course of his innings became the leading run scorer of IPL 2. The valiant innings of his came to an end much to his frustration. Virat Kohli fought an lost battle, running Bishnoi out during his stay in the middle. Bishnoi was gutted and rightly so.

Virat Kohli soon fell after getting his half century and with him went Bangalore's hopes. RP Singh garnered 2 wickets giving away just 17 runs in 4 overs. RP Singh also picked up the purple cap from Kumble becoming the leading wickettaker so far in DLF IPL.

Match 8:

Deccan Chargers: 184/5 in 20 overs.

Bangalore Royal Challengers: 160/8 in 20 overs.

MOM: Adam Gilchrist.