Travis Head has revealed the reason behind playing fearless cricket for SRH in IPL 2024, saying the Australian team wanted him to play. Head continued his form in IPL 2024 and seems to have carried that form from international cricket into the ongoing campaign. Head won the Player of the Match award for his stunning 89-run knock against LSG at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday, May 8.
With the race for the play-offs intensifying, SRH moved to third place in the points table with a 10-wicket lead over LSG. Head spoke in his post-game presentation about making the most of the power play and working on his ability to play spin. The batsman stressed that honing his spin-hitting ability is crucial for him as he travels to America and the West Indies to represent Australia in the T20 World Cup. IPL 2024, SRH vs LSG: Match report | highlight
“I had a lot of fun today. I’m glad we did it in 10 overs. Abhi and I have had a partnership like this a few times. We just focused on getting into good positions, seeing the ball well and maximizing the power play. (Regarding his spin hitting) This is something I have been working on and will play a big role in the Caribbean as well, 360 degree rotation in the modern game. is important. ” Head said. IPL 2024 Complete Content | IPL 2024 Points Table and Standings | Complete IPL 2024 Schedule
LSG's plan to introduce spin early in the innings backfired as Head took down Krishnappa Gowtham in the third over chasing 22 runs. He hit Ravi Bishnoi with a ton of quads and sixes as LSG's entire bowling attack looked hapless.
Head spoke about his fearless approach not only to the national team but also to the franchise side. With Pat Cummins at the helm of affairs for Australia's Test and ODI sides as well as SRH, Head has defined his role and executed it to perfection.
“For the last 12 months they have wanted me to play for the Australian team and they have asked me to do it here as well.” Head said.
The Australian opener scored 327 runs for Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup at an average of 54.83. This included a delightful 137-run knockout in the final against India on November 19, 2023. Head continued to dominate the Indian circuit in the 2024 IPL by smashing 533 runs in 11 matches at an average of 53.30.
“We compliment each other a lot.”
Head spoke about his record-breaking partnership with Abhishek Sharma, who also scored a 28-ball 75 against LSG. He was happy as he amassed more runs than David Warner in his first season with SRH.
“There's nothing I have to change. (Abhishek Sharma) I know how hard he works and how deep he thinks. His spin play is second to none. No. We compliment each other very much. It's nice to see him back in the run after that.” (At NRR) missed the last few games. He didn't think anything of it until the timeout, but then he told the players to come out and score quickly. ” Head said.
“The crowd tonight was exceptional. It was what we needed after losing the last two games. I didn't have much against him, so David Warner was the first It's good to know that we scored more runs than we scored in the SRH season. We'll start again 'whenever we come here for the next game.' Head added.
Abhishek and Head helped SRH reach the target of 167 runs within 9.4 overs, sharing their third 100-plus opening stand of the season.