As Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) troop touched down in Dubai on Sunday (August 23), SRH's batting mentor VVS Laxman was hopeful of a desired improved performance from the middle-order in the upcoming 13th edition of the India Premier League (IPL) starting on September 19 in the UAE.
Laxman said before leaving for the UAE: “Honestly, the batting revolved around the top order. So we are looking for the middle order to play to the potential and show the desired improvement in this edition.”
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On SRH skipper David Warner, he added: “He has been an exceptional batsman for us in the IPL.”
Commenting on the SRH coaching staff especially new head coach Trevor Bayliss, former Indian batsman said: “He has handled the best and has been in the World Cup-winning England squad. He knows what it means to handle the toughest challenges. And we have Brad Haddin, against whom I have played, as assistant coach. He is another fierce competitor. Then we have Mario Villavarayan as strength and conditioning coach and Biju George as fielding coach.”
Laxman further pointed out the SRH’s strength “bowling”, saying: “Well, bowling has always been our strength and with Bhuvi (pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar) back to full fitness and given his reputation as one of the most dangerous bowlers in the T20 format, it should be a potent force. We also have a lot of variety in spin too with the Afghanistan spin duo of Rashid Khan and Mohammed Nabi. The bowlers have been sensational and we hope to see them peak again at the right time.”
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On being asked about SRH’s chances in the IPL 2020, Laxman noted: “We have some exciting young talent and also experienced Indian and foreign players. And I reiterate that it is all about momentum and once you get it, it is imperative to sustain right through.”
Meanwhile, the SRH batting mentor admitted the biggest challenge for all will be the bio-bubble this year but said it is the team’s staff, management, and coaches’ job to ensure all players their needs to make sure they wouldn’t distract by anything throughout the IPL13 in the UAE.
Laxman further explained, “The players have been used to playing in front of huge crowds which have often been inspirational. But again, all of them are professionals and know their responsibilities and expectations pretty well. Yes, most of them have been training in their backyard while some of them were having nets. But the intensity in the three weeks’ training in the run-up to the IPL will be a different proposition altogether with different skill sets to be in place.”
He signed off by saying, “It is our job to peak gradually as cricket is all about form and being 100 percent for the challenge of playing in the matches in a totally different atmosphere. We don’t want anyone to deviate from the prescribed safety protocol of the bio-bubble.”
(With Sportstar Inputs)
