IPL 2018: Flexible Wriddhiman Saha pleased to open the innings for Sunrisers Hyderabad

"Coach (Tom Moody) and captain (Kane Williamson) have told me to play with freedom and play my natural shots" says Saha.

Wriddhiman Saha | IANS

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s wicketkeeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha on Wednesday (April 18) said that opening the batting in this year’s IPL has been a big positive or him.

Saha was roped in by SRH for INR 5 crores during the IPL auction in January. Earlier, he has opened the innings for Kings XI Punjab and also scored a hundred in that position.  

"I like to play my natural game. The coach (Tom Moody) and captain (Kane Williamson) have backed me on this and I have got opportunity to open the innings, which is a plus point. They have told me to play with freedom and play my natural shots," Saha quoted as saying by PTI.

In the ongoing Indian Premier League, Saha has recorded the scores of 5, 22 and 24 while opening the innings for SRH in their three games thus far.

When asked if he would continue to bat at the very top, Saha said: "This depends on team management. If I do well as an opener, I will be entrusted to take up the responsibility but if I don't come up to their expectations, then they may think of other options. But I want to even better my performance."

The 33-year-old Bengal stumper feels that copybook shots can fetch him runs and he doesn’t need to try those adventurous strokes.

"I prefer to hit over the circle when opportunity comes (during the Powerplay overs). I play my regular cricketing shots and I have not come up with any unconventional stroke," Saha asserted.

SRH have won all their three matches in IPL 2018 so far. While the Hyderabad-based franchise thrashed the Rajasthan Royals by 9 wickets in their opening clash of this season, they followed it up with a thrilling 1-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians and a thumping 5-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. The Kane Williamson led side are due to play Kings XI Punjab in Mohali on Thursday (April 19).

Talking about the experience of playing under Williamson, Saha said: "Kane is always open to suggestions from teammates during the game. He gives us freedom and he remains very relaxed, calm and brings positive vibes. Under him, our team bonding is very good".

Saha was also generous in his praise for the SRH bowling unit. He said the bowlers have eased the pressure on the batsmen as they have not had to chase any stiff total until now.

"Apart from the bowlers who are in the playing XI, we have fantastic bench strength. Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar), Rashid Khan, Siddarth (Kaul), Shakib (Al Hasan), Billy Stanlake have been bowling well and have helped restrict the opposition to totals in the 150 region," Saha concluded.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 19 Apr, 2018

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