If someone has to be given an example to explain the meaning of the word 'turnaround' then Deccan Chargers' performance in the first two editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a good one.
If someone has to be given an example to explain the meaning of the word 'turnaround' then Deccan Chargers' performance in the first two editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a good one.
The Hyderabad franchise, which finished at the bottom of the table in the inaugural season, turned the tables in the following season to clinch the winner's trophy.
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In a book released yesterday on Chargers' fine 2009 show, skipper Adam Gilchrist revealed that team bonding played a crucial role in his team's revival.u00a0u00a0u00a0
"The very first thing I said to the squad at the very first meeting was 'that we are all in this together'. Every step of the way we had to respect and acknowledge each other, through the highs and lows. But to create the correct environment, we had to make sessions not only enjoyable but worthwhile."
The book was released by Maharashtra Governor SC Jamir at a suburban hotel in Mumbai yesterday in the presence of badminton star Saina Nehwal, the brand ambassador of Deccan Chargers.
Elaborating on the team bonding exercise, Gilchrist says: "We decided that all squad members should take a short Cultural Awareness Programme... It allowed us to learn more about one other and have a greater understanding and respect for each other.
"We also paired players together and asked them to learn at least five things about their partner and present those findings to the group at team meetings. This brought about a feeling of closeness in the group besides a lot of humour too."
