IPL 2018: Kane Williamson in Mike Hesson's Top-five batters of the modern era

Williamson’s SRH will lock horns against the struggling Delhi Daredevils (DD) on Thursday (10 May).

Kane has amassed 410 runs in the IPL 2018 so far | IANS

New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson has lavished praise on Captain Kane Williamson, saying he is not only a brilliant batsman but also an inspirational leader. 

However, Hesson has not termed Williamson as the greatest batsman of the modern era, but included him into his favorite five best batsmen's list, which also has Steve Smith, Joe Root, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. Though, many only counted the four in the list of the best batters’ list of the modern era, but Kiwi coach believes that the South African is also the best “when he is playing”. The Black Caps coach also lauded the 27-year-old right-hander for his ability to adapt any format of the game.

At the moment, the elegant Williamson is captaining Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018, where he has been phenomenal as both skipper and batsman, leading SRH to 8 wins of 10 matches, and amassing 410 runs at an amazing strike rate of 131.83.

As per reports in Press Trust of India, Hesson, who is here as a Star Sports Select Dugout expert of the IPL 2018, stated, “Any quality batsman, if they have got the skills, will adapt (to) any form of the game and Kane Williamson is no different. He does not go out and look to thrash the ball, but he times the ball, gets in good positions and hits where fielders aren't. (He is) an all-round good player.”

On being asked whether Williamson was the best batsman in the World, Hesson replied, “Look, I wouldn't say that. There are four-five (players) who are extremely good. (India and Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper) Virat Kohli is one, Joe Root (of England is) exceptionally good. Steve Smith (Australia), Kane Williamson, they are probably the four at the moment around the world, and AB de Villiers when he is playing. They are good in different conditions (and) they stand out. It's nice to have a New Zealand batsman as one of those top five.”

Williamson’s SRH will lock horns against the struggling Delhi Daredevils (DD) on Thursday (10 May) in their next IPL 2018 encounter at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi.

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 10 May, 2018

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