Adam Gilchrist and Darren Lehmann have done it in the past, albeitfor a different team, but their countryman David Hussey says the Australian duohas the ability to recreate the magic with Kings XI Punjab and lead the side toits maiden IPL triumph in the current season.
Gilchrist, as captain and, Lehmann as coach, were the vital cogs in DeccanChargers' triumphant campaign in 2009.
"They worked really well together at the Deccan franchise. They had tastedsuccess in 2009 and hope their partnership can repeat the same for Kings XIPunjab this season. The duo of Gilchrist and Lehmann brings a wealth ofexperience with them. We are looking forward to put up a great show in thetournament," Hussey told PTI in an interview.
"Gilchrist is a class player. He is a great acquisition.
Any team would benefit from his wealth of experience. We are looking up to himto score many runs for us and take catches behind the stumps. Lehmann, as acoach, is great for the franchise. I am hoping that the combination willregenerate the same impact," he added.
Kings XI Punjab have never won their opening game in the previous five editionsof the IPL and Hussey said they would look to change the history with a win overPune Warriors India in their first game on April 7.
"It's going to be a tough game for us, playing away from home. It's goingto be difficult. In the history of the IPL, Kings XI have not won their openinggame and we would look to rectify that and win our first game to start thetournament on a solid note," said the 35-year-old.
Hussey said the team has a good blend of overseas and Indian players going intothe sixth edition.
"KXIP has a great mix of overseas and Indian players. We have a good mix ofyouth and experience. What Gilchrist and Lehmann have put together is not astar-studded team but a team that really plays for each other. We are confidentof putting up a good show this time around," he said.
"The team preparation is going on very well. We had a great trainingsession last night. All boys are full of confidence going into round oneagainst Pune Warriors," Hussey said.
The Australian batsman would also be looking at a few individual milestones.
He has so far played 198 T20 games, including all domestic fixtures, and is twoshort of his 200th appearance.
Hussey has an aggregate of 4821 runs and requires 179 for completing 5000 inthe slam-bang format.
"It's fantastic. I did not know about it. I am looking to perform for myteam and have a successful tournament. The records will take care ofthemselves."
Talking about his omission from Cricket Australia's 2013-14 central contractslist, Hussey, who has played 69 ODIs and 39 Twenty20s for Australia, said,"I am not disappointed, not really. I am concentrating on the IPL andwants some wins for Kings to reach the knock-outs. I am focused on theIPL."