'He's a seriously special player' - Kane Williamson lavishes massive praises on Rahul Tripathi

Sunrisers Hyderabad edged past Mumbai Indians in a thrilling encounter on Tuesday (May 17). Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to bat first in a must-win game for SRH to keep themselves alive in the race for the playoffs. The Sunrisers were jolted early in their innings as Abhishek Sharma fell cheaply to Daniel Sams. However, Rahul Tripathi continued his fine form in the tournament as he was quite severe on the Mumbai pacers in the powerplay. The intent was clear from the right-handed batter, as he continued to attack the opposition’s bowlers.

Priyam Garg, who was on debut in the game, assisted Tripathi in his onslaught as the pair added 78 runs in just seven overs. Garg departed after an impressive outing, scoring 42 off 26 deliveries. Meanwhile, Tripathi continued on his merry way as he notched up his third fifty in IPL 2022. Nicholas Pooran’s arrival to the crease meant that the Sunrisers were looking to set a big target for the Mumbai outfit.

Rahul Tripathi comes out and takes the momentum away: Kane Williamson 

The newly appointed West Indies Captain was in a menacing mood himself, Their partnership gave the impetus to the SRH as they finished with 193 on the board. Rahul Tripathi finished with an entertaining 44-ball 76. Kane Williamson praised the batter’s effort as he was the key to setting such a big target for MI. “He’s (Rahul Tripathi) a seriously special player, he comes out and takes the momentum away…. have seen a number of times in this competition,” Williamson told Star Sports.

The Kiwi was quick to laud plaudits on Priyam Garg as well and is hopeful for his inclusion in the side in the future. “Priyam is a seriously talented cricketer… great that he could get the opportunity. He’s one of those players we’re going to see a lot more of, got a really good head on his shoulders, a lot of potential but a lot of skill as well,” he said.

MI’s chase was off to a great start as the ppening pair of Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan saw off the powerplay and were scoring at a brisk pace. Umran Malik’s spell couldn’t have started worse as he leaked 17 runs in his first over. But the explosive pacer made amends as he picked up three wickets for 23 runs, breaking Mumbai’s back in the chase.

Umran’s captain lauded praise on the pacer’s effort as he is the 4th highest wicket tacker in the tournament this year.”He (Umran) always bowls quick which is obviously strength and weapon for our side. He has got an amazing skill set which if he can channel, he can turn a match as we saw,” Williamson said.