VVS Laxman lauds 'match-winner' Warner post Sunrisers' maiden IPL crown

Sunrisers Hyderabad assistant coach VVS Laxman has showered praise on skipper David Warner, after he led his side to their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title by beating the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore here at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium last evening.

Warner continued to display his stupendous form, as he smashed a 69-run knock off just 38 balls to strengthen his team to a formidable total of 208.

Describing Warner as a 'match-winner', the former Indian cricketer lavished praise on the Australian's phenomenal batting performance and leading abilities during the match.

"I think he led from the front. He is an inspirational character who is very positive and aggressive at the same time. His nature has rubbed off on a lot of youngsters. But the way he has batted, despite being under pressure of being one of the most important members in the side, has been phenomenal. He has had an impact on each and every outing," Laxman was quoted as saying by iplt20.com.

Laxman believes Warner had given a lot of confidence and freedom to his bowlers and allowed them to execute the game in their own way, which turned out to be in the team's benefit.

"I think he is a bowler's captain; giving freedom to bowlers, especially when things are not going your way, you need your captain to back you and that's what our bowlers got from their captain. He is also not an experienced captain, but the way he has led the team has been sensational. I hope that he keeps on continuing that. He is a match-winner and a great person to lead us," he added.

Chasing a daunting total of 209, the Kohli led-side managed to score 200 for the loss of seven wickets.

Gayle (76) and Kohli (54) did provide the Bangalore franchise a ray of hope to clinch their first IPL title by sharing a 114-run partnership for the opening stand.

However, once the duo got dismissed, the team kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and fell short of the target in their stipulated 20 overs.

It was the RCB's third appearance in the IPL final, having earlier lost in 2009 to the Deccan Chargers and in 2011 to the Chennai Super Kings.