The crowds went ecstatic after Darren Sammy hit two consecutive sixes off left-arm spinner Iqbal Abdulla to script a memorable finish for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday night at the Rajiv Gandhi stadium here.
With that win, Sunrisers qualified for the play-offs of the IPL tournament.
But later, Tom Moody, the head coach of Sunrisers, walked into the media room showing only a tinge of satisfaction with an occasional smile.
The reason was that his focus had already shifted to the next big match.
“It is a great achievement to qualify. Now we need to gather all our plans and prepare for the play-off (against Rajasthan Royals) in Delhi,” Moody said even as his teammates were celebrating their great moment. SRH made its debut in this IPL (replacing Deccan Chargers).
“I don’t think there will be any extra pressure on us in the play-offs. That game will be no different from those we have played so far. Every game is important,” Moody said.
Need to improve
However the SRH head coach also admitted that the team has to sharpen its skills in some areas, especially in batting. “I believe that if you stop improving as a player you can hang up your boots,” he remarked.
“It is very rewarding and satisfying to have come this far in this IPL. The team gelled well,” a composed Moody said.
Referring to Ishant Sharma’s non appearance in the crucial game against KKR, Moody revealed that the fast bowler was unwell.