IPL 2017: Kane Williamson played a 'brilliant' knock, says VVS Laxman

Hyderabad, April 20: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) mentor VVS Laxman feels his team is faced with a problem of plenty in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 as newcomers have made it count at the first given opportunity. (Match scorecard)

Hyderabad are jointly top in the IPL points table after beating Delhi Daredevils by 5 runs yesterday (April 19).

SRH's Kane Williamson plays a shot en route to 89 against DD

"I don't see any area of concern while we are under pressure, even though the matches are close. Having said that, we always look to improve," he said in the post-match press conference. (Match highlights)

Laxman appreciated Kane Williamson, whose brilliant knock of 89 runs enabled SRH to put up a challenging target of 192, and young players like Siddharth Kaul and debutant Mohammad Siraj. "Kane (Williamson), playing in his 1st match, played a brilliant knock," he said.

"With the new recruits we have got, we have plugged in the loopholes we had last year. Because of the new recruits, we have the luxury of fielding different playing XIs depending on the situation, depending on the opposition and conditions," he added.

"We are very fortunate to have a lot of talented players and unfortunately, because of the nature of the game, only XI can play and only a few batsmen can play. It's really good to see that we are not relying only on one batsman or one bowler," he said.

Afghanistan's Rashid Khan, who made his debut in IPL this year, has already created an impact in the tournament with his unique leg-spin, Laxman said.

"He has got that X-factor. He has picked the wickets and he is bowling some tough overs. For a leg-spinner to bowl in the end, it shows the amount of confidence we have got in him," he said.

Delhi Daredevils' Shreyas Iyer said the team made a good start but let it slip.

"This was a wicket, we could have restricted them for 180. Nonetheless, it is part of the game," he said.

PTI