One of the finest batsmen to grace international cricket, V.V.S. Laxman, is all set to embark on chasing another dream — to guide Hyderabad Sunrisers to a title-triumph in the 2013 edition of the Indian Premier League.
“This is a new role for me as mentor after I quit international cricket. So, the urge to start off on a winning note is quite natural,” the 38-year-old said in a chat with The Hindu .
“It was a great experience for me when I attended the auction for the first time. Krish Srikkanth, coach Tom Moody and I did a lot of planning about the combination we should look for, to realise the dream of winning the trophy,” said Laxman.
“We were essentially looking for all-rounders and we are pleased that we could buy the players we were hoping to get. For instance, we always felt that Sri Lankan Thisara Perera and West Indian captain Darren Sammy are very good all-rounders and so is New Zealand’s Nathan McCullum,” he pointed out.
“Since we have retained 23 players from the squad which represented Deccan Chargers in the last edition, we were conscious of our primary requirements and our planning was focussed on the best combination we can come up with,” the 134-Test match veteran said.
Balance
Questioned as to what was the most impressive facet of the Sunrisers outfit, he stressed that the balance of the team should take it a long way. “It is imperative to start the event on a high note and get the momentum going from the very beginning,” was Laxman's observation.
“The players were picked because of their wonderful attitude of putting the team's interests above their personal goals. This is what should separate the champions from the rest.
“We are keen to make sure that all the players are in the best frame mentally and physically ahead of a demanding schedule. They have an abundance of talent and all that is required is to translate that into performances guided by the experienced and highly-respected Kumar Sangakkara,” said Laxman.
“I was very pleased with the way the auction went. It was a definitely a novel and enjoyable experience. Now I wish to play a lead role in shaping the destiny of the Sunrisers in the IPL,” said Laxman as he signed off.
