He’s the wily old man of the squad, but spinner Brad Hogg could hold the key to the Perth Scorchers’ chances of producing a T20 Champions League fairytale.

Hogg was the star of the show during the Scorchers’ title-winning Big Bash League campaign last summer, with the 43-year-old snaring nine wickets and conceding just 6.19 runs per over.

The Scorchers have become accustomed to success in Australia.

But they flopped badly in their two previous visits to the Champions League, failing to win a game last year after being dogged by injuries to key players.

The Scorchers are again tipped to struggle to make it past the group stage.

But coach Justin Langer is optimistic his team can produce the goods, and he said Hogg’s experience and energy could prove vital on the spinner-friendly Indian wickets.

“He had a huge role for us last year in the BBL. He was instrumental in us winning that tournament,” Langer said from India on Wednesday.

“He’s got a very good wrong-un, and certainly in Australia our players find it hard to pick.

“We are aware of how well the Indians play spin bowling, but if he gets his energy up, then there’s no reason why he can’t have an impact on this tournament.”

The Scorchers begin their Champions League campaign this Saturday when they take on South African outfit the Dolphins in Mohali.

Paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile will be rested from the match as he completes the final stages of his recovery from a hamstring surgery.