NEWS
Follow UsAfter taking over the captaincy from David Warner, Kane Williamson-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) suffered a massive 55-run loss at the hands of Rajasthan Royals (RR). Jos Buttler scored his first Indian Premier League (IPL) century to take his team to a commanding 220. SRH never looked in the game right from the beginning and in the end, suffered their sixth loss in seven matches.
When asked about Warner, Williamson was rather evasive with his answers. Speaking of dropping Warner, Williamson said, "There are a number of leaders in the group. It's important we stay tight. And for us, it is about building as a side and make adjustments."
The newly-appointed captain said SRH will have to be clear with their strategies and execution. "Rather than over-search for the win, we just have to be clear about how we need to operate. Warner is a world-class player and we have our cards on the table. I am sure there are a number of conversations to be had," Williamson said.
Manish Pandey replaced Warner as Jonny Bairstow's opening partner and Williamson slotted in at No. 3. All three of them got off to starts, but failed to kick on, which eventually cost SRH. Other than Buttler's 124, RR also had their skipper Sanju Samson step up, scoring 18 and putting up 150 for the second wicket with the Englishman.
However, Williamson admitted that chasing 221 was going to a steep task. "A tough day. A very competitive total from RR. It was Jos' day and he was outstanding. With the bat you do need to get a few things to go your way and when you're losing wickets it makes it all the more harder to chase 220," the New Zealand skipper said.
"We have had a lot of challenges over the last three weeks, but we need to make small adjustments and put in improved performances. Jos and Sanju were key, so we wanted Rashid to bowl as many deliveries as possible against them," he added.
SRH will look to get their campaign back on track when they take on Mumbai Indians (MI) on Tuesday (May 4)