IPL 2018: Tom Moody Reveals SRH Chalks Out Plan for Chris Gayle and KL Rahul
Apr 20, 2018 at 12:28 PM
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) head coach, Tom Moody has admitted that they will have plans ready for the likes of swashbuckling Chris Gayle and solid-looking KL Rahul when they face Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on Thursday (April 19) at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.
Meanwhile, Hyderabad has had a brilliant start to this edition with three wins in a trot. They have presented an all-round performance so far in this tournament.
However, they will face a stiff challenge against the likes of Chris Gayle and KL Rahul in particular.
We have our plans ready:
Hyderabad bowlers, especially, have done very well to restrict their opposition within 150 runs. They will face their toughest challenge in the form of Gayle and Rahul, who have had been outstanding so far in this ongoing eleventh edition.
Both KXIP batsman recently showed a good form – to gather quick runs and on the eve of the match, SRH coach Tom Moody said his team will surely do thorough homework before the match.
“We will have a healthy discussion around not only those two players but every player we think has a chance of playing for the Kings. And every team has players of threat and obviously, Punjab have got a strong squad and also a couple of dangerous players. So there is nothing different for us in our preparations and will definitely do a homework on our bowling plans,” Moody said.
However, Moody admitted that they have not done something special and are focusing on key areas like fielding.
“I am sure my message is not too different from any other coach. You know fielding is (an) important component to the game. From the outset, right from our strategy of going to the auction and preparation to start of this tournament, our focus was (on) having a side which is competitive on the field. We feel fielders are the wicket-takers. Whether it’s (a) half-chance or with a catch or run out there are important moments in the games that can shift the momentum quickly,” he added.
Batsmen will play their natural game: Tom Moody
Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan has led the batting department playing the role of an aggressor.
The southpaw Dhawan has already notched up a match-winning and unbeaten knock of 78 against Rajasthan Royals and a 45 against Mumbai Indians, where SRH wobbled before getting home owing to the last-ball thriller.
“The message I have given our top order is to just go out there and play their natural game. There is no point in anyone going out there and trying to play like Warner. Everyone has got their own unique style and strength and to me, it’s important our batting line-up play the way they play at their best,” Moody concluded.
Also read: We were 15-20 runs short against KKR- Ajinkya Rahane