Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman has stated that the team management has faith in their middle order. In fact, we have seen that David Warner and Jonny Bairstow have done the lion share of the scoring. David Warner is the top run-getter of the tournament with 279 runs whereas Jonny Bairstow is in the second place with 262 runs.
Consequently, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s middle order hasn’t got a lot of chance to bat in the middle. In fact, the lack of game practice was on display when Sunrisers Hyderabad struggled to get going against Mumbai Indians. A low scoring total was on the board but the middle order of the Orange Army had quaked in its boots.
The openers have done the truckload of the scoring.
VVS Laxman wrote in his Times of India column.
“Confronted with tricky surfaces in the last two matches, Sunrisers Hyderabad managed to come up trumps against Delhi Capitals but couldn’t conquer the conditions or Mumbai Indians at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal on Saturday night. Pitches that don’t facilitate stroke-making often make for low-scoring and sometimes exciting contests. If you’re bowling first, it is important to stay focused all the way through. Especially at the death because even one or two expensive overs can make a huge difference Kieron Pollard’s innings was extremely critical on Saturday night, especially under the circumstances, and there is something to learn from that for us as a group.”
Meanwhile, Laxman believes a title is not won on the back of one or two players performances. However, it is imperative to contribute as a collective unit towards the success of the team. Consequently, it is pivotal that SRH’s middle order comes to the party.
Collective team effort.
“When you approach a middling target on a slow pitch, it is essential that you build a couple of handy partnerships and focus on team effort. In any case, titles are not won on the back of individual brilliance from one or two players. Both against Delhi Capitals and then against MI, the middle-order had the chance to establish its credentials. While it is true that they didn’t deliver the goods on Saturday, we have total faith and belief in their abilities. They have been there and done that and I don’t think it will be too long before they hit their straps,” Laxman added.
Laxman is aware is of the fact that the middle order hasn’t got a lot of time to bat in the three matches. Warner and Bairstow have done the bulk of the scoring which hasn’t given the chances to the other batsmen of the team.
“Because Davey Warner and Jonny Bairstow batted so well and so deep in the first three matches, the middle-order didn’t have enough game-time. But we ensure during practice that the batsmen prepare for all eventualities. So far as skills and preparation are concerned, there has been no compromise; I am confident the minor glitches in execution will be resolved soon. We’re playing against Kings XI Punjab on Monday; and as the backroom staff, it is our responsibility to make sure the players are in a good mental space. A fresh start is vital,” VVS Laxman concluded.
Sunrisers Hyderabad is currently in third place in the points table with three wins and two losses. Hyderabad will lock horns with Kings XI Punjab at Mohali on 8 April.