Legendary West Indies batter and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) coach Brian Lara on the eve of Aiden Markram-led side's last league game said that they will look to wrap-up their season with a win against Mumbai Indians (MI). It is a must-win clash for Rohit Sharma-led side at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. SRH who are at the bottom of the table will look to move up to the ninth spot with their fifth win of the tournament.
“We are here to upset the party for Mumbai, we want to win and it will be great to at least end in that fashion. But it's going to take a lot of effort and professionalism in putting a team together moving forward. But to get the right attitude and get everyone pulling in the right direction is very important,” Lara said in the pre-match press conference.
Lara admitted that SRH have not lived up to their potential as he said, “It is not too demanding. You are going to have a team that wins the IPL, a team that runs in the bottom and a team in the middle. But it is a process that you have to take and SRH for the last few years have not been playing up to the expectations."
Lara in his debut stint as head coach in IPL felt that the IPL 2016 champions feels that his presence at the helm of things will not solve every problem.
"I do not think my name was going to miraculously bring success, a job has to be done professionally, big name or no big name. As I said, (it is my) first time in this position, it has been a wonderful learning experience for me and something that I will take away moving forward,” he added.
Lara defends Markram
Before the season, Aiden Markram was named the captain as he led Sunrisers Eastern Cape to title win in inaugural SA20 League. Lara defended Markram despite his failure with the bat and as a leader.
“We were both newcomers, the captain and the coach. But in terms of leadership, on and off the field, I felt we as a unit were learning as we go along. It is not something that comes easily,” he said.
“I think Aiden did a tremendous job and we will do some sort of review and reflection to see how we can work things out for the betterment next year. But it is always going to be difficult coming into an environment and trying to lead. If I can speak for myself, I will definitely learn from this experience,” said the 54-year-old.
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