Johannesburg, May 23: The Deccan Chargers team bus left the Monte Casino Hotel at 9.30am sharp on Saturday for practice. A well deserved victory over Delhi notwithstanding, Adam Gilchrist and men are not taking things easy. The intensity in practice and precision in preparation have been the standout features of the unit. The outcome of Sunday’s final could depend on various factors but one can be assured, there will be no lack of effort.

"Each member in the squad has responded to my call. Their hard work was replayed on the field. They have all performed well in the tournament and the position we are in at the moment is only because of a dedicated team effort," said Gilchrist ahead of the final here on Sunday. The combination has settled in as a fine unit, each player knows his role to perfection and is eager to contribute.

Starting as underdogs, the Chargers have had a quiet laugh at the form-book during their progress in the tournament. To beat Delhi with such authority was an amazing experience. The knock from Gilchrist was the focal point but it must be remembered that others chipped in well.

"I told the boys that what happens in the tournament is the most important thing in their life. And when they field, it is the next delivery that is the most important moment of their lives because whatever you are doing at that moment is crucial," said Gilchrist who has never been short on providing inspiration to his mates both on and off the field.

The youngsters in the team have exceeded expectations. R.P. Singh and Rohit Sharma are experienced players but still young in age. T. Suman has been a revelation with his positive yet calm approach. A few players have been taken out of their comfort zones and told to perform roles they were not accustomed to, and the response has been good here too.

"We have encouraged each of our players to work hard and they have done that. It’s always good to analyse when things don’t go well but we also analyse when things go our way. It is pretty basic stuff but the way we were last in the table we had to really get back to the basics and try to build our foundation.

"The players have responded well and they now believe that they can compete at this level," added Gilchrist. The single differentiating factor between 2008 and 2009 has been self-belief.

The plan in the semifinal was very Aussie. It was to try and put pressure on the opponents at every opportunity. Andrew Symonds going after the bowling with only five required per over did not look like logical thinking from outside but Gilchrist defended his teammate.

"Symonds trusts his instincts. To see him go like that I got the feeling that he has got a clear mind as he is not too much into calculations. If the ball is there to be hit then he will hit it. And that has brought success to us most of the time."

The Chargers have played some exciting cricket and deserve their place in the final. The Wanderers has been a mixed bag for them but they are more than keen to set the record straight.

Gilchrist noted the biggest day will be the final and the team will sit down after the match to try and analyse what they have to do to improve further.