Somerset start chasing their biggest ever pay cheque of £1.6 million tomorrow when they begin their assault on the inaugural Twenty20 Champions League.

The Indian tournament, which has an overall prize fund of more than £3 million, began yesterday when the Bangalore Royal Chargers lost to South Africa's Cape Cobras.

The very best Twenty20 players in the world are pitted against each other with household names aplenty.

But Somerset feel it may be the previously unsung heroes who could hold the key.

Justin Langer's men begin their bid to qualify from Group A tomorrow afternoon against reigning Indian Premier League champions Deccan Chargers.

Deccan can boast stars such as captain Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Symonds, VVS Laxman and Fidel Edwards.

But Somerset CCC wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter appears undaunted by the star names.

"It is another good experience for us to test ourselves against the best as a club," said the 21-year-old.

"We know who we are up against but we are trying to focus on our own plans and we know they are good players but when it comes to it they are just flesh and blood like us.

"We are going to be underdogs for this competition and we kind of relish that."

Kieswetter believes the togetherness of the Somerset squad can only help them against a hastily-gathered franchise side like Deccan.

"A massive positive is that we have played together not only for six months but for two or three years," he said. "We know each other better than someone like the Deccan Chargers would."

Much will be made of Marcus Trescothick's presence in the Somerset squad on his first overseas tour since November 2006, when he suffered a stress-related illness for the second time on tour in Australia.

But Somerset coach Andy Hurry knows the importance of the team ethic.

"Marcus has had a tremendous Twenty20 season and a tremendous domestic season full stop," said Hurry.

"He is one cog in our whole machinery. There is Justin's leadership, James Hildreth's energy, the power-hitting of Kieswetter, (Pete) Trego and (Arul) Suppiah, the way we can cement an innings around Zander de Bruyn. It is all about a team."