In T20 cricket, teams have to be prepared for unexpected: SRH coach Moody

In the context of West Indian mystery spinner Sunil Narine creating a flutter by opening the batting for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Kings XI Punjab, Tom Moody, head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) said in T20 cricket one needs to be prepared for the unexpected.

"I don't consider it a surprise," Moody told reporters on the eve of their match against KKR at the Eden Gardens here on Saturday.

"In T20 cricket you need to be alert in a way that anything is possible. Whether a spinner opens the bowling or a spinner opens the batting. And at the end of the day, most cricketers are pretty adaptable and versatile now."

Moody, who is director cricket for Big Bash League side Melbourne Renegades for whom Narine has opened the batting thrice this January, further said: "They can play many roles in the side. As a side you need to be prepared for the unexpected. One of the key tactics is to catch your opponent by surprise even if you steal an over from the game whether it be with the bat or the ball, it gives you a big advantage."

The West Indian southpaw hit a whirlwind 18-ball 37 to take the match away from Kings XI Punjab, chasing 171 for victory.

Moody said the fact that Saturday's match will be a day game should help their cause after losing to Mumbai Indians in their previous encounter due to the dew factor.

"We were unfortunate to cope with the dew in Mumbai," the 51-year-old former Australian all-rounder said.

"That's certainly not an excuse for our result. There is no doubt that at the toss of the coin there is significant advantage."

"If you're batting second with the dew, and it's quite unfortunate at this time of the year to have so much dew in Mumbai but it is what it is. You just got to deal with it. We were prepared for challenging conditions. The afternoon game is a bonus and it's not so hot as it can be here in Kolkata," he added.

Asked about skipper David Warner and whether the Aussie opener has toned down in recent years, Moody said: "There is no doubt that he has matured as a cricketer both on and off the field.

"That happens to all cricketers. They all take time to evolve as cricketers and young men. David is a high quality cricketer."

"He has shown over the last couple of years that he is a high quality captain as well. The franchise and players as well as the support staff are happy to have him. Strategically he is switched on and reads the game very well. He has got a good relationship with the players."

Afghanistan's 18-year-old leg-spinner Rashid Khan has done well for the defending champions in the last three matches. Moody said he along with Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi, who also plays for SRH, are match winners.

"It's wonderful for Afghanistan cricket that there are two players playing in the IPL. We are fortunate enough to have both of the players. They have shown over the years that they are a very competitive outfit and they have match winners. Nabi and Rashid are those players and we had identified that during the auction," he said.

--IANS

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