Moody defends Bhuvi, expects Williamson to return

Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody said it is too harsh to judge Bhuvneshwar Kumar based on that one expensive over against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody gauged the pitch could be a good batting surface and that toss may not be critical against Rajasthan Royals.

 

Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Tom Moody expects skipper Kane Williamson to be available for selection against Rajasthan Royals here on Friday.

Williamson missed the first game due to a shoulder injury that he picked up from the series against Bangladesh at home.

“It is always a joy to play in front of home crowds with the Orange Army supporting us in a big way. There has been a dramatic increase in the fan base and it lifts the energy levels of the players.

“We will see how he responds tomorrow morning,” said Moody.

He gauged the pitch could be a good batting surface and that toss may not be critical. “We are happy to set a target or chase one,” he said.

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“Royals is a quality side with lot of match-winners like all other teams in the IPL. It is a well-balanced outfit. Every single game is crucial and even if an inch of space is given, any team can lose the contest,” the head coach felt.

“It is too harsh to judge Bhuvi (pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar) on the basis of one bad over. It was exceptional bowling till 17 overs against Kolkata Knight Riders. We failed in our execution of plans in the closing overs,” he said.

“But, there is no need to read too much into that over when Andre Russell scored those runs in Kolkata. It was power-hitting and he did it against Punjab too. But you should remember we got him cheaply quite a few times earlier,” Moody said.

‘ Collective effort needed’

Royals pacer Jaydev Unadkat insisted that they are not looking at only Jos Buttler to do the bulk of the scoring. “Yes, anyone can learn watching him play, build partnerships. But we are looking for every individual to contribute. Collective effort is needed,” he said.

“We hope not to replicate the mistakes from the first game loss to Kings XI Punjab where we saw a collapse once Buttler got out. We should do well tomorrow,” he said.

On possibility of Rahul Tripathi batting up the order, Unadkat said it depended on the coach and the captain. “I feel they see Rahul as a batter who can play in any position and not necessarily in the top-order,” he said.

Unadkat revealed that Royals have left behind the R. Ashwin episode (‘Mankading’ Buttler) and are willing to move on. “It didn’t have any impact on the team. It is important to focus on the games ahead,” he said.