IPL 2019: We Have No Superstars in our Team – VVS Laxman
Mar 21, 2019 at 11:35 AM
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) mentor VVS Laxman feels lack of star cricketers in their squad makes it a side of equal and the team environment better. Meanwhile, Hyderabad have always stayed away from too much media attention, and it won’t be anything different this time as well. The Sunrisers have stressed on team efforts in the past session and will be their key to success in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). Last year, the side led by Kane Williamson remained one step behind after losing the finals to Chennai Super Kings. This time they will be desperate to add to their tally of one IPL title.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday revealed their new signings ahead of IPL 2019. They have traded Shikhar Dhawan in favour of Vijay Shankar, Shahbaz Nadeem and Abhishek Sharma. Sunrisers Hyderabad also roped in the dynamic English wicket-keeper batsman Johnny Bairstow. Speaking at the event, VVS Laxman admitted that they want every player to give their hundred percent for the team.
“Our team is not driven by superstar culture. We want every player to give their best shot for the team,” Laxman said.
VVS Laxman also underlined the team’s ability to clinch close contests which had them well placed in IPL 2018. Speaking about Shikhar Dhawan’s decision to change his base to Delhi, Laxman quipped that he was not happy with the remuneration he was getting at Delhi. Besides, he also wished the southpaw good luck ahead of the month-long cricketing extravaganza.
“Dhawan was our second top scorer (497 runs) last year. We wish him good luck,” Laxman said.
Warner’s ban a bit harsh
Speaking about former captain David Warner, who makes a comeback after his ban for involvement in the ball-tampering fiasco, Laxman said that they are happy with what the southpaw has achieved for the franchise. However, VVS Laxman feels the punishment on him was too harsh and seemed confident that he will continue scoring for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
“We are very proud of what Warner has achieved for the Sunrisers. He’s one of our premier batsmen. Personally, I felt the punishment was not right since I have seen him from close quarters. I am sure that he would continue to contribute for Sunrisers,” Laxman concluded.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will start their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on March 24.