NEWSSunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain David Warner is hoping the team's young recruits "translate their talent into performance" in the 13th IPL and said gaining early momentum would do themselves a world of good. The Sunrisers open their campaign in the 13th IPL with a game against the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Monday, and Warner's message to his team is to go out and play freely without worrying too much about the result.
"We will try our best for that and if it doesn't happen, will re-work our strategies and hope to go the distance in the IPL," Warner said during a virtual media interaction.
"Every team has a perfect mix of world-class overseas players and quality Indian players. Ours is a pretty good balanced side in all departments.
"The boys have to just go out there and have fun, not take it too seriously. Like if you get angry you will tend to repeat the mistakes."
Warner also spoke about the team's youngsters. "Yes, it is good to have a lot of youngsters in the middle-order. They bring a lot of enthusiasm and show the right kind of attitude, too. I have been hearing some very good reports about it on social media and hope they translate their talent into performances."
The Australian is happy to have the presence of experienced campaigners such as Kane Williamson in the Sunrisers ranks. "We have plenty of experience with the likes of Kane, (Jonny) Bairstow, Vijay Shankar to name a few. We got a job on our hand for sure," he said.
Speaking about his opening partner Bairstow, Warner said, "We know when to take those calculated risks and it is time to go this year again."
Asked if the spinners would play a big role, Warner said it depended on the kind of wickets on offer at the three venues of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. "Some of them might be flat, some might offer swing in the first session and some might assist the spinner in the second half of the games. We have three good spinning all-rounders in the team. So, let us wait and see how they shape up," he said.
About new head coach Trevor Bayliss, Warner said he has helped build a relaxed environment. "The best part is that he is super relaxed, takes accountability for the team's performances. He is very chilled. With him around, there is a sense of a relaxed environment.
"But, at the same time, he will put his foot down when required," Warner added.
Difficult to be away from families
"It is difficult for some to be away from their families for such a long time. But, I do believe once the event starts, the players will be more focussed on the game. I think the BCCI and the hosts here have done a fantastic job to get the IPL going.
"All the players have to do is to be smart, look after their mental aspect well by doing small things to be fresh for any challenges," said Warner, one of the tournament's leading scorers in recent years.
"You play the game as the rest of things are being taken care of in these testing times during the pandemic. With no crowds at the ground which any team would miss, everyone will stay in a competitive frame of mind once the event gets along."
Hope 25% crowd is allowed in Australia-India matches
"Well, I am looking forward to the tour which will be a great battle between two very highly competitive teams. And, I hope at least 25 per cent crowds will be allowed as was the case with some football matches. That will be fantastic," Warner said.
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