SunRisers Hyderabad [SRH completed a brilliant seven-run win over Chennai Super Kings [CSK] on Friday and they did that thanks to brilliant performances by their young Indian stars. While T Natarajan and Abdul Samad delivered with the ball, it was the duo of Priyam Garg and Abhishek Sharma, who spearheaded their batting-unit, paving way for them to eventually post a match-winning total of 5-164 in 20 overs.
Priyam Garg was eventually adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for his whirlwind 26-ball 51- an innings that displayed his prodigious talent and most importantly his steely nerves to the hilt. Garg was under pressure right from the outset following Kane Williamson’s run-out, where he rightly did not respond to what was a non-existent single.
With SRH reeling at 4-69 and the cream of the batting-unit back in the hut, SRH needed its youngsters to rise to the challenge. And, boy, didn’t they do that with disdain? Priyam started off on a cautious note while Abhishek Sharma continued to chip away against the likes of Ravindra Jadeja. Garg eventually settled into a beautiful rhythm, as he laid into CSK’s seamers to smash a 20-ball 50. He stayed unbeaten in the end as SRH scored 73 runs off the last 30 deliveries.
Priyam Garg did not have much of a chance to showcase his skills in the first 3 games and the Indian U-19 skipper was really pleased with his performance on a big stage like the IPL today. Garg said that he just backed his strengths and played his natural shots. Also, the fact that he has batted a lot with Abhishek since his childhood clearly helped the duo during their partnership.
Here’s what Priyam Garg said in the post-match interview-
Felt really good today and this (IPL) is a good stage and to be sharing it with senior players was special. I was just trying to play my natural game and credit to team management for backing me and giving me confidence. I wanted to play my natural shots and back my strengths as I’m aware of the range of my shots. I have been playing with Abhishek since childhood and we both know each other’s game very well which really helped today. I tried to maintain a positive energy with the bat and carried the same level of confidence while fielding. Really happy.
Also Read- IPL 2020 Points Table: SRH Move To The 4th Spot Following A 7-Run Win Over CSK