That Sunrisers Hyderabad turned the page to enter the 2020 IPL playoffs has a lot to do with many significant contributions. After a quiet start to the series, David Warner finally got back in shape and found a brilliant opening partner in Wriddhiman Saha, who won two half centuries in four games. In order to win their last three league games to enter the playoffs, the Sunrisers not only did so convincingly, they eliminated Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator to reserve a spot in the Qualifier.
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However, one of his biggest contributors is someone who wasn’t even supposed to play the IPL. West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder was on vacation with his family when he was named a replacement for the injured Mitchell Marsh. In six games, Holder has played a crucial role in SRH’s turnaround, taking 13 wickets and scoring vital runs on the order. And to think that Holder hardly made it to an IPL team this year.
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Former Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir said he was surprised to see that Holder did not sell at the IPL 2020 auction last December, even as there was a solid bidding war for some of the SUVs around the world. Gambhir believes that Holder, who plays for the West Indies, is well equipped to handle pressure situations, therefore it shouldn’t surprise people who see him with some exciting finishes for SRH.
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“It was very surprising to me that no one went after someone like Jason Holder. Jimmy Neesham was chosen, Chris Morris was chosen, other ATVs were chosen. But Holder, who plays in two formats, continues to play international cricket for a team that struggles in a test and one-day format. So you’re always under pressure, always under pressure to deliver, ”Gambhir said on ESPNCricinfo.
“When you’re in such a situation most of the time in international cricket, obviously you know how to handle that pressure and that’s something we’ve always talked about, how important it is for foreign players to handle the pressure of the IPL.”
His exploits against RCB were a good example of how sensible Holder is in tense situations. He and Kane Williamson added an undefeated 65-run partnership and saw SRH through. With nine required in the last over, after Williamson singled to end the over, Holder missed a ball before hitting four in a row to seal the victory. This was after he had already claimed 3/25 with the ball.
“He captains an international team, so we must not forget him. Play international cricket continuously. Play two of the three formats. So he did what he was supposed to do. He started well with the new ball, took two important wickets and conceded just 6.25 over. What else can you expect from your SUV abroad? Gambhir pointed out.
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