Williamson backs Sunrisers to overcome early stutter

Despite a stuttering start that has seen them lose three of their first four matches, Kane Williamson is convinced Sunrisers Hyderabad can qualify for the knockout stages of IPL 2015. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo from Visakhapatnam after their last-ball defeat to Delhi Daredevils on Saturday, Williamson said that Sunrisers are not very "far from playing the style of cricket" they want to.

"It's very important to get the balance right, to play the style of cricket we want to play and I believe we're not far away from that," he said. "The last two games we've actually lost on the last ball. That's the way it goes sometimes in T20 cricket and if we can get a little bit of momentum, I'm sure we can start getting a few wins on board."

Although he has played in India before with the New Zealand national team, and as part of the Northern Districts squad at last year's Champions League T20, Williamson says his first IPL has been a "very different experience." Despite losing his place in the playing eleven after scores of 26* in 18 balls against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai and 9 in 5 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bangalore, Williamson is enjoying the stint whole-heartedly.

"It's great to be involved alongside a lot of local Indian players who are extremely talented and also alongside some international cricketers who you have played so much against," he said. "It is very different and naturally, playing in India is a great experience in front of such a passionate crowd."

Over the last year or so Williamson has flowered in international cricket across all formats. He was in fact named New Zealand's Test, ODI and T20 player of the year recently. The 24-year old says there is "no secret" to the success he has achieved other than the "desire to continue to improve."

"We play at the highest level that does challenge you so much and you learn a lot about yourself and your game and having that desire to continue to improve your game is very important," he said. "You constantly have to adapt to changing conditions and against different opposition. I suppose you have to allow all these things to come into how you improve your game is an important part."

While his recent success has made many observers believe Williamson has the makings of a future great, he says he doesn't think about such tags at all. He is already New Zealand's vice-captain but insists the prospect of taking over as captain doesn't consume his thought process.

"Brendon's doing a fantastic job and I'm very much enjoying learning from him at the moment," he said. "If it's to happen in the future it is fine but if it happens to be someone else, then that's also fine. At the moment, I'm looking to play my part in the team and, like I said, do as much as I can for the team."

Williamson was an integral member of the New Zealand side that made the World Cup final recently before losing to Australia at Melbourne. He remembers the journey fondly saying the team had no regrets after playing the "style of cricket" they wanted to. The focus will also shortly turn to New Zealand's tour of England, where the side will be keen to continue their success in whites.

"It's always tough playing England at home," he said. "They're very well suited to their conditions like most teams internationally in their home conditions do. It will be a big challenge for us but one that we're pretty much looking forward to. The team has been playing some good cricket lately so hopefully we can play some good cricket in England and go on to ultimately win a series. But there's a lot of cricket to be played until that point."