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Laxman calls for collective batting brilliance
21 Apr, 2016
Laxman calls for collective batting brilliance
20 Apr, 2016
After tasting defeats in their first two matches of VIVO IPL 2016, the Sunrisers Hyderabad got off the mark on the points table with a resounding seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at home. Now, having found some winning momentum, the Orange Army has arrived in Rajkot to take on Gujarat Lions, who have been unbeaten so far after three matches.
On the eve of the match, Sunrisers’ mentor, VVS Laxman, stressed on the importance of a collective contribution from the batting order, starting with the openers laying a strong foundation.
Laxman was positive on the team’s batting front, not in the least given the kind of form David Warner struck with his ballistic 90-run match-winning-innings against MI. Laxman also believes that the Sunrisers’ strength this season will be the group of young Indian domestic talent.
“Warner is in fantastic form and he is a sensational player. It is not only about playing a big knock. Finishing the task is very important, the way he did against Mumbai Indians,” Laxman said.”That will be an example for the other batsmen as well to stand up. I was very impressed with the way Deepak Hooda played in the last game. Luckily, this year we have some really talented domestic players.
“The middle-order was under pressure in the first two games; against KKR we lost quick early wickets and we had to chase 220-odd against RCB. But I am pleased with the potential we have in the middle-order and the overall depth in our batting,” he said.
Another aspect that Laxman believes bodes well for the team is the presence of some experienced international players who the young Indian players can look up to and learn from. That, he said, creates a congenial environment for the team.
“We are very fortunate to have good leaders within the group,” Laxman said. “David Warner is the captain but it is not only him. We have experienced players like Ashish Nehra, Kane Williamson, Eoin Morgan, Shikhar and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who help youngsters to improve. And that is the great thing about the IPL.”
On the team combination front, Laxman revealed that Williamson is not available for the game against the Lions as he is yet to recover from a hamstring injury. “Williamson is still not fit. He hasn’t yet recovered from his hamstring niggle, so we have to wait and see.”
