Sunrisers Hyderabad batsman Shikhar Dhawan has praised team captain David Warner for easing the mounting pressure on him after a nervy start to the ninth edition of the Indian Premier League season.
"I would like to credit David Warner. He is in such great form that I have been able to take my time in the middle to get set and get those scores for the team. That level of confidence brushes off on me and it creates a sense of ease for me," Dhawan was quoted as saying by iplt20.com.
The left-handed Indian batsman, who regained his form with a string of good scores under his belt, scored yet another crucial knock of 47 not out to steer his side to a five-wicket win over Gujarat Lions in a low-scoring match in Hyderabad last evening.
Dhawan pointed out that he doesn't feel the need to unnecessarily play risky shots while batting alongside the explosive Australian counterpart, adding that he was content his present role and partnership with Warner in the team.
"There is no case of playing rash shots or the need to push hard because the guy at the other end is playing his role to perfection. There are certain targets that we have as an opening pair and in the process of fulfilling it we even have to take risks at times. But when there is someone like Warner at the other end who is thrashing every bowler from the opposition, my risk taking factor becomes less," said Dhawan while insisting that both of them play according to the team's needs.
"There have been times when the team has demanded a supporting role off me and I am glad that I have been able to do that. My role differs from game to game according to the situation and the way my partnership with Warner is going on. It is going good at the moment," he added.
Sunrisers are currently fourth in the points table after winning five out of their eight games. They will next play against defending champions Mumbai Indians in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.