Hyderabad, Oct. 3: It was a homecoming of sorts for Deccan Chargers’ captain Adam Gilchrist. The legendary Australian had led the Chargers to victory in the second edition of the IPL in South Africa early this year.

Back in Hyderabad for the inaugural edition of the Champions League Twenty20 tournament, Gilchrist exuded confident as he spoke about the mood in the Chargers’ camp ahead of the big event. Excerpts:

On the pressure of playing on home turf: The support that we received from the people of Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh has been overwhelming. They supported us during the first edition of the Indian Premier League in India. They showed their belief in us during the second edition of the IPL in South Africa. I used to go through the websites and the messages that were posted in them showed their trust in us. We are extremely happy to have won the IPL-2. So, there is no pressure at all as it feels like I am back in my home town.

On team’s training schedule after IPL-2: Our strength and conditioning coach Steve Smith did give the players a training schedule and I am very impressed to see our guys so fit and raring to go for this tournament. Fitness plays a big role in Twenty20 matches.

On Deccan Chargers’ target in the Champions League: The first target will be to get into the second stage of the tournament.

Look, Twenty20 is anybody’s game and you have to be on your toes all the time. There are no favourites in this format of the game.

On the opposition: Well, I am very impressed with the teams that we are playing. Teams such as the New South Wales have international stars and will be extremely dangerous.

The key is to not take any team lightly and put forth our best show in every match. We are training indoors at the moment, and have a couple of practice games before the start of the tournament.