Chennai, Aug. 28: Cricket in any form can throw up surprises. The probability of bucking the odds only increases in the shortest format, which makes it important to look beyond the teams with marquee names in the forthcoming Champions League T20.

The Otago Volts might not find many backers but the fulcrum of the side believes they are in with a chance as good as any.

As many as three players and manager John Morris from the Volts were in Chennai for the Buchi Babu tournament. And they were united in their belief of a good show in the Champions League, especially after their Chennai stint.

"The opportunity to play competitive cricket in Chennai has allowed us to get used to the heat and humidity. In T20, one special moment can swing the game in your favour. I believe Otago will equip themselves well and be competitive. It all depends on how the momentum swings on that particular day," said Morris during a chat with this newspaper.

All-rounder Aaron Redmond, who played a pivotal role in Otago claiming the domestic T20 title, paid tribute to the positive approach. "I think our fearless approach played a major part in our all round success. The ability to innovate at times and control the outcome gave us the advantage. To be able to play our natural way without fear was the primary reason for our success."

The Kiwis continued to practice in Chennai even after they were ousted from the Buchi Babu, and their spinners have benefited from the experience. "I don’t believe bowlers are always under pressure in T20. It’s no different for spinners. Actually spinners have an advantage, as batsmen can’t get boundaries off them without losing wickets. This helps them more which in a way is good," explained Otago’s premiere spinner Nathan McCullum.

Neil Broom, another important cog in Otago’s wheel is pleased with the Indian experience.

The Otago side though are least perturbed by the strength on paper of the other sides but are aware that the three IPL teams will have a head start.

"The IPL teams will have an advantage in terms of their players being accustomed to playing on Indian wickets. I also think the pressure will be on the IPL teams. We can use that to our benefit," added Broom.