IPL 2019: Local Players Need to Step Up If Team Wants to Win IPL - Mohammad Nabi

The 12th edition of the Indian Premier League has reached its business end with the Qualifier taking place today between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With Sunrisers Hyderabad slated to take Delhi Capitals on May 8 (Wednesday), senior cricketer Mohammad Nabi feels the local cricketers will have to step up their game if Hyderabad want to win the title.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders went down against Mumbai Indians which paved way for their Sunrisers Hyderabad to progress to the playoffs with 12 points. And now they are up against the Delhi Capitals – who have played consistent cricket throughout the season. Hyderabad have relied heavily on their opening pair – David Warner and Jonny Bairstow. Now, they face the wrath as both of them have left the tournament midway to resume national duties.

Local players will have to deliver

Mohammad Nabi admitted the contribution of Warner and Bairstow but he says that there is no point looking for excuses. The senior Afghanistan cricketer said that Hyderabad have some good domestic cricketers in their ranks and they will have to contribute if they want to win the title.

“It is no secret that the likes of Warner and Bairstow did a brilliant job for us, but this is the year of the World Cup and the players had to go back to prepare for the showpiece event,” Nabi said to IANS.

“However, you cannot sit back on that and look for excuses because those waiting in the wings are also good. There are some good local players in this team and their form matters a lot. Local players must do well for a team to win the tournament,” he added.

Mohammad Nabi had an average tournament in India scoring 95 runs and chipping in with eight wickets from seven games. However, he didn’t seemed worried about his performance rather stressed on the team combination and winning matches.

Sunrisers Hyderabad takes on Delhi Capitals on May 8 (Wednesday) at Visakhapatnam.