VVS Laxman reveals the logic behind Mohammed Nabi’s selection over Kane Williamson

With qualification for the playoffs at stake, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s think tank took a few bold calls like the omission of Williamson in favour of Nabi. After all, Williamson played an important part in the relatively fragile lower-middle order scoring 232 runs in the six innings he has batted so far, including two fifties, at a strike-rate of 162.23. But Nabi proved the doubters wrong by bowling Lendl Simmons off his fourth delivery, and finished his quota with one for 13, and Laxman felt that Nabi’s ability to chip in with the ball anytime during the match worked in his favour. 

Laxman said, "We have players on the bench who can straightaway come into the playing XI and perform. Nabi is someone very good not only after the Powerplay, but also in the Powerplay. That was the rationale behind getting Nabi in. To come and straightaway be in excellent rhythm and also execute the strategy which we had for the opposition batsmen was really good to see. Those first two-three overs set the tone for the match," reported ESPN Cricinfo. 

On a two-paced Hyderabad strip, Shikhar Dhawan batted with lot of composure to finish with an unbeaten 62 off 46 balls. After David Warner’s dismissal, the southpaw got good support from Henriques, who scored 44 off 35, and threw a spanner in Mumbai’s early works. Henriques, though, failed to shine with the ball and conceded 15 runs in the only over he bowled. But Laxman was all praise for his ability and utility as a bowler.

"We have to also understand that he came in to bowl in the 14th over. As an opposition batting line-up, they will be looking to target the fifth and sixth bowlers," Laxman said. "But, I thought he bowled really well last match. We should be very happy with the way Moises has contributed to the Sunrisers franchise, not only with his batting and bowling but he is a leader within the group. Even on the field, his inputs are very good, and he definitely helps Warner by giving various suggestions.

He further added, "It is very frustrating I am sure for someone like Kane Williamson because he is in outstanding form. But when you have only four overseas players to play with, you have to work out what is the best combination to go out on that particular day, against that particular opposition, keeping the conditions in mind."

The former India international also lauded the courage of Yuvraj Singh, who made it to the field to bat despite having hurt his hand. Reportedly, Yuvraj also suffered a calf niggle and was seen wearing a brace on his left leg. But, Laxman feels that the injury wasn't very serious.

"He should be okay. Just that the hand got jammed into the ground while he was fielding. So there is some contusion, but luckily we are next playing a match after four days, so there is enough time for him to recover. But credit to him to go out there in spite of the pain, taking the responsibility that I will go out and bat and try to win the match."