No point in panicking after only two losses

The topsy-turvy nature of the Indian Premier League has reared its head. After three excellent wins, suddenly we have lost two matches in a row, but I feel there is no reason to start panicking within the Sunrisers Hyderabad set-up.

While the disappointment of losing a close game will always linger, I feel proud of the way the team fought back from a difficult position against Chennai Super Kings. We lost three wickets in the Power play while chasing 183, but to bounce back and only lose by four runs was a top effort.

Unsurprisingly, the revival was masterminded by our excellent captain, who once again showed what a class act he is. Kane Williamson’s intelligence and character were on full view, and I am sure his inspirational batting will rub off on the rest of the group. Yusuf Pathan produced the kind of innings he is known for, showing that he is still more than capable of changing the course of a game within a few deliveries.

Further improvement

We could of course do with more runs from the other batsmen, and the management group has the utmost confidence that they will start firing very soon and will play an important role as the tournament goes deeper. We are now headed into the middle period, which to me is the most crucial phase. If we can string together a couple of wins and make a move up the table, we won’t have to play with the pressure of qualification hanging over our heads towards the end of the league phase.

There are a few areas in which we can improve, most notably bowling at set batsmen going after us. We allowed Chris Gayle to pull away in Mohali, and Ambati Rayudu likewise on Sunday.

All that is needed is a little tweak here and there, because the quality in our bowling is all too obvious. It was unfortunate that ‘Bhuvi’ started to develop back spasms after his second over, bowled his third in great pain and could not complete his quota. He is our spearhead and it was a big blow that he couldn’t send down his final over, but we are not looking for excuses.

Several people have also come up to me and said we were at the receiving end of some questionable umpiring calls, but that is part and parcel of the game, I have no complaints.

Next up for us are Mumbai Indians on Tuesday. Our plan is simple — perform to our potential and get back on the winning trail.