Cricket balls were flying into the stands, hitting advertisement hoardings, perimeter boards had dents and fans hurt their fingers trying to catch the ball soaring off David Warner’s bat. You asked for a scoop, you got it, you wished for a switch-hit, yourprayers were answered and hell, if you wanted to watch a right-handed David Warner spectacle, you weren’t left disappointed. This was white ball marauding at its very best. All hell broke lose when Warner hit sixth gear from the beginning of his innings. Such was his dominance that ShikharDhawan hardly got a hit and had no choice but to enjoy the Warner show from the best seat in the house.

The SRH captain motored his way to a 20-ball half-century and then played like he was from another planet, making his way to the three-figure mark as if he had booked an appointment with No.100. Off came the helmet, then the leap and the celebration - all in one motion - as he soaked everything in to a standing ovation. Warner went on to add 26 more to his individual total and walked back to a dressing room whose joy knew no bounds. One man among the many who enjoyed it from the sidelines was mentor VVS Laxman. We at iplt20.com, thought we would get the protagonist & the audience in one frame and get them talking about the magical night that unfolded. Presenting VVS Laxman in conversation with the show stealer – David Warner.

VVS Laxman: I have with me, the man of the moment, and the rockstar of the night, our Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner. David, what a special knock we have viewed this evening. How did you feel mate?

David Warner:Thanks for you kind words Lax. You always feel great when you are out there and able to put the balls away. It helps when you get a chance here and there, but you need luck in this game. I felt great tonight and I have always felt great throughout this tournament. I have to make a special mention of ShikharDhawan – the role that he played tonight, I had to play that role last game when he was going all guns blazing. Kane Williamson is unbelievable, he just comes and knocks it and gets a 40. It just sums it up for us.

Laxman: That is the kind of leader he is which I love about David. He acknowledges the contribution of each and every player.

Laxman: But, was there a specific plan when you went out there, especially against the spinners? Because thatreverse-sweep and switch-hit was just unbelievable. How do you practice those shots? Was there a specific plan to apply pressure on KKR’s bowling line-up?

Warner: Yes. When you got a quality spin bowling unit bowling against you, you always have to have a gameplan. I try and take that risk out by backing my strengths. The reverse-sweep is one of my strengths. I thought, tonight I had to have that clear plan while playing and I did. I wanted to try and mix it up by coming down the wicket and putting a bit more pressure on them. I tried to make them bowl faster into the wicket. They bowled faster on a few occasions and didn’t at times. But that is the kind of gameplan you’ve got to have. You have to think on your feet when you have world-class bowlers.

Laxman: That is the strength of David Warner. The positive intent and the aggression he shows while batting and leading the team. It has been fantastic to see the way he has led the team over the past few years.

Laxman: What do you think of the bowling effort? Especially young Mohammed Siraj and Siddarth Kaul, to hold on to the pressure situations when the partnership was building between Robin Uthappa and Manish Pandey. How did the youngsters bowl today?

Warner: Siraj is learning on the go and that is what we expect. It is fantastic. That is the quality of this Sunrisers unit. We are not harsh critics but we allow the guys to get chances and the way he has come out and taken his chances is fantastic. It is great to have Bhuvneshwar Kumar there always talking to him. An experienced bowler like Bhuvi is of great help and a sign on immense gratitude towards the younger bowlers. I can’t fault any of them for the way they have played. Still early days in the tournament but they are doing an extremely good job and I am proud of them.  

Laxman: The Twitter world went berserk looking at your batting today. I was going through mine as well. ViratKohli tweeted saying this is power hitting at its very best. How do you feel when one of your close friends respects the way you play and acknowledges the way you were batting this evening?

Warner: It is always great to get that credit. Us as international cricketers, we galvanise together in this tournament. Whenever we play international cricket, we know there are boundaries we try not to cross but when we come together in the IPL and step on the field, it is a competitive edge. But we respect each individual. When someone does well, it is not hard to send a congratulations message. We always credit each other. What we are about is entertaining the crowds and the fans. We want everyone to keep turning up and watching this great game of ours. If we can be great ambassadors for that, this game is going to be in good stead for the future.

Laxman:That is what the IPL is all about, it builds the camaraderie between players not only from the same nation but from different countries as well. Davey, fantastic knock and I am really proud of the way you have led the side and also the way you batted tonight. Keep it up.

Warner: Thanks Lax and thanks to all the IPL fans out there. We really appreciate your support.