When Sunrisers Hyderabad takes on Mumbai Indians in a must-win game at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, they will be missing the services of the Ausstrain opener, David Warner.
After having a terrific IPL season – amassing 692 runs in 12 matches – Warner has returned to Australia to join the national camp ahead of the forthcoming World Cup.
But Sunrisers coach, Tom Moody, on Wednesday, said that Warner’s departure has opened the doors for others.
“David has had a remarkable series. 692 runs in 12 games is something he should be very proud of. The bottom line from our point of view is that it creates an opportunity,” Moody said.
The coach also drew reference to last season when Warner did not take part in the tournament as he was suspended for being involved in the ball-tampering scandal.
“We were faced with the same situation last season. We did not have David Warner. We played the final. Okay, we did not win the final but we had a very good tournament and we ended up on top of the table. Good sides adapt and when opportunity (come), other people come into those positions and take those chances,” Moody said.
“We saw Kane Williamson last season had a remarkable season himself, so we are going to miss David. But I look at the positive sides. What it does is, gives us an opportunity as a side to play (well) differently with different personnel,” the Australian coach added.
The SRH head coach also revealed that a decision about who will replace Warner will be taken before the toss.
Martin Guptill or Billy Stanlake?
“We have got a few options. We are at the moment, looking at those options. Of course, (Martin) Guptill is the obvious one. Being a world class opener himself, he is a like-for-like replacement. But (we) also (have) the option to consider, looking at someone like a Billy Stanlake at a venue like this. We are trying around a few thoughts with regards to what the team is,” Moody said.
With 12 points from as many games, Sunrisers now have to win both of their matches to stay alive in the play-off race.
“For us, this game is no different from our first game of the tournament. It’s an important game like every game in this tournament is. We all know that this is a tough competition, so our approach is certainly no different. We are not putting ourselves under any additional pressure. That’s not gonna do us any good. We just need to make sure that we compete for 40 overs,” the coach added.
