New Delhi, Apr 12: Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor V.V.S. Laxman Thursday said he is not really worried about his batsmen's unimpressive performance ahead of the clash with Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League here at the Ferozeshah Kotla Friday.
The Sunrisers, newcomers this season, failed to make an impact with the bat in the first two of their three matches, despite winning them. They managed 126 and 130 in home matches in Hyderabad.
"We were very pleased to win the first two games in Hyderabad and in the third game too we played pretty well but (Virat) Kohli's knock made the difference, which stood out for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. We were very much in contention in that game until Kohli's knock," said Laxman.
"You have to realise that the first two matches we played, the wicket wasn't really conducive for runs and the batting conditions were really tough. But in the third match in Bangalore we scored 161 and were in contention until Kohli took the game away. We have many talented batsmen in our side who can really win matches for us. Parthiv Patel and Akshath Reddy have done well for us as openers."
The batsmen may have come under the scanner, but Laxman lauded his team's bowling attack as one of the best in the IPL.
"Our bowling attack is very strong as we have the best pacer in the world, Dale Steyn, who is assisted well by Ishant Sharma and Thisara Perera. And (Amit) Mishra has also been in very good form. So, bowling is definitely our strength," said the 38-year-old after the practice session of the Hyderabad-based team at the Kotla nets.
Commenting on his side, the former India batsman said the side is gelling well under Kumar Sangakkara's captaincy.
"I think he has been a brilliant captain. We know what he can do with the bat as he is one of the best batsmen in the world and the best in the team. He is a very positive captain and encourages the youngsters in the side. The team is gelling well with each other and the environment is very good and healthy."
Asked if Daredevils' dasher Virender Sehwag plays, how would the Sunrisers tackle the opener, Laxman said:
"Well (Virender) Sehwag is one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world but we will do what we are supposed to do. Our bowlers are not over-awed by Sehwag and they will bowl to their strengths. We are not bothered about which team is doing what. We are concentrating and are focussed on our game."
About his role as a mentor, Laxman said: "Well this is the first time I have been given the designation of a mentor but to be honest I have done this job earlier too when I was a senior in the Indian team. I used to share ideas with the youngsters and encourage them and used to discuss with them instead of dictating anything."
