Laxman all praise for Nabi and Dhawan

hyderabad — Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman has complemented Mohammed Nabi and Shikhar Dhawan for executing the side’s plans perfectly to win against table-leaders Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.

“We know that Mumbai Indians is a very good side. They are the side in form. So, we had a certain game plan and certain strategy and even our combination was changed based on the kind of players they got in their line-up,” said Laxman.

“Even today (Monday), it was fantastic to see (Mohammed) Nabi, the way he started off.

“The first two, three overs set the tone for the match. Important thing was we didn’t allow that momentum to shift. We did not allow Mumbai Indian batsmen to come back into the game... “Overall, I think we executed our plans to perfection,” Laxman said.

SRH won the match by seven wickets with 10 balls to spare. The Hyderabad team improved its chances to the playoffs with the win and it is now placed at fourth position on the points table with 15 points.

SRH made major changes in team composition (by dropping in-form Kane Williamson and including Nabi) and the changes were made keeping the opposition in mind, Laxman said.

“It was more about left handers in Mumbai Indians line up. Some of them in good form, starting with Parthiv (Patel) and also Nitish Rana at number three...

“But, when you have only four overseas players who can play, you have to work out what is best combination on that particular day, against the particular opposition keeping the conditions in mind,” he said.

The changes were also about trying out various options, he said. “Sometimes, it is good... This year we got various options and they can just walk in the playing XI and perform just the way Nabi did this evening,” he said.

Replying to a query about conversations from the dug-out with Captain David Warner when MI was batting, he said such a thing is quite common. “T20 cricket is so quick. Sometimes, some outside help may be useful to the Captain,” he said. — Agencies

It was more about left handers in Mumbai Indians line up. Some of them in good form. VVS Laxman