Williamson: 'We'll try to build on last season's success'

Kane Williamson, ahead of Sunrisers Hyderabad's first match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, speaks about last season's triumph, Brendon McCullum among other things.

“Royal Challengers Bangalore even without Virat (Kohli) is a tough team to beat,” said Kane Williamson of Sunrisers Hyderabad's first game.

'Cool under the lid' would be the best description of Kane Stuart Williamson.

“We'll try to build on the good things of last season's triumph,” the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batsman told journalists here on the eve of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 10's first match. “Going from underdog to winner was special,” he recalled. With New Zealand having a fairly large Indian diaspora, was there any special attention from fans when he went back home last year? “There was nothing like the attention we got here,” he replied. How was he consistent in all three versions? “I think changing teams and formats helps us stay fresh. At other times, I look to do something else, like read a book or surf,” said the Kiwi captain. How did he fit his low-profile self into the big boots of Brendon McCullum? “My shoe size is actually bigger,” he quipped. He was then effusive in praise for the team culture built up by his predecessor. “He was a brilliant leader. Our team, hit by injuries, has bounced back, when youngsters have stepped up. He's a good friend and I still talk to him on cricket,” suggesting the former skipper would always be an inspiration. On sitting out for a few matches in 2016, Williamson said, “It is in the fickle nature of Twenty20 that you don't always succeed. When you get an opportunity, it should not be about you but what you can give the team,” he stressed. “Royal Challengers Bangalore even without Virat (Kohli) is a tough team to beat,” he said on SRH's opening outing on Wednesday night.