Hyderabad will not lose focus despite closing in on qualification
Midway through the league phase, Sunrisers Hyderabad have six wins from eight matches, which is as good a start as we could have hoped for. Historically, eight wins have been sufficient for teams to make it to the playoffs, but from our point of view, it is important that we look to improve from one game to another and not merely be happy with qualification.
We were especially delighted at the manner in which we pulled off lowscoring thrillers in our past three games before a little break. Those wins, set up by a young bowling group, were even more creditable because they came without Bhuvneshwar Kumar. One of our retained players and among the best in the world, Bhuvi is clearly our spearhead but in his absence, the manner in which Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma and Basil Thampi stood up was heartwarming.
That they achieved what they did under tremendous pressure is huge credit to them. Even the most skilled players can crumble under pressure, but showing great courage and fortitude, this young trio took it upon themselves to drive the team home.
Mental strength
I am also very impressed with the character shown by Rashid. After going for plenty of runs in two successive games, the way he has bounced back has been amazing. He is only a young kid, and to recover as magnificently as he has speaks volumes of his mental strength and resolve to go with tremendous skills.
Our fielding too has been outstanding. The boys understand that fielding is in their control, and the way they have committed themselves on the park is tribute to their spirit.
Half-chances have been taken, runouts fashioned out of nowhere, the one percenters cashed in. We obviously expect more from the batting group and I am confident it is just a matter of time; to be fair to them, they have hardly had a taste of a belter this season. The success of the Indian players has been the talking point of this season. Seniors like MS and Rayudu have stormed the imagination, as have exciting youngsters like Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant. Shreyas has remained unaffected by the cares of captaincy after taking over from Gautam, Prithvi is a powerhouse and Rishabh has evolved since his India debut 15 months back. He is no longer a one-dimensional, on-side player. He is also a lot more mature and balanced, which is a great sign for the future.
The beauty of the IPL is the opportunity it provides young Indians in being able to interact with the best in the world from close quarters for two months at a stretch. Nothing, therefore, pleases you more than when you see the next generation making the most of this golden chance.
Our fielding too has been outstanding. The boys understand that fielding is in their control, and the way they have committed themselves on the park is tribute to their spirit.