Hyderabad: “The transition has been easy,” was a recurring theme in Tom Moody’s Sunday evening media interaction. On the arm-band’s hand-over from David Warner to Kane Williamson, he stressed on how eminently suitable the latter was to his new role.
“The team’s core know Kane well and he’s a welcoming sort of person. He enjoys huge respect as an international player and captain. He’s always been a critical part of the leadership group and top order,” the Sunrisers Hyderabad coach stressed.
“No one is expected to replace Warner. In sport we must be prepared for the unexpected,” he said alluding to the absence of Warner and Steve Smith. “I want Shikhar (Dhawan) to play like Shikhar. Players must express themselves and it will be different dynamics in the top six this time,” he predicted.
Heaping praise on Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Moody said, “Bhuvi’s growth over the past three to four years has been extraordinary. As a leading new ball and death bowler, he’s been globally recognised. He can be a genuine wicket-taker upfront and can shut the game down too.”
“Billy Stanlake is a great acquisition,” the strapping mentor said. “He’s 6’ 8” and can bowl up to 150 kmph. He releases the ball from a very high point to get steep bounce. At 23, he’s only getting better.”
“It’s nice to play the first game at home without being on the road. We have prepared well playing practice games over the week at this venue and we’re ready to go. The wicket’s always good in Hyderabad. Even heavy rains haven’t affected practice. The weather will look after us,” Moody hoped.
Ajinkya Rahane, low profile as always, even with the mantle of captaincy hoped to start well for momentum to Rajasthan’s campaign. “While Sunrisers are always a challenge, we hope to play our game, back our strengths and strategies,” he said.
Jos Buttler found keeping wickets in T20 fast paced against the other two formats.
Underplaying his role, he said: “Not many chances come your way and we don’t affect the game too much. The wicket-keeper must assist the captain so that he can focus on other areas,” he said, considering the stumper’s vantage position to assess game situations.
To have Shane Warne for coach was great, he said. “From watching him in the 2005 Ashes, coming face to face with one of cricket’s best brains was amazing. It’s already had a huge impact,” Buttler observed.
