Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Rahul Tripathi has been making a statement for his franchise this year, though it's unfortunate that the Kane Williams-led side is out of contention for this year's playoffs despite the 31-year-old's best efforts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This season Tripathi has amassed 393 runs -- his second-best performance in terms of runs since the time he made his IPL debut in 2017.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The right-hand batter will get to better his best performance in IPL -- Tripathi's best IPL season was last year when he amassed 397 runs in 17 matches -- when the team plays its last league game against Punjab Kings on May 22.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On Tuesday night he was basking in the glory of being chosen the 'Player of the Match' after scoring a stroke-filled 76, which laid the foundation for SRH to score 193\/6 against Mumbai Indians and win the game by three runs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
His 76 came off just 44 balls and was embellished with nine boundaries and three maximums.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The cricketer said that he has the capability to bat at any position, but truly enjoys the No. 3 spot.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I would say wherever you want me to bat. But I enjoy batting at No. 3, and the responsibility. It's important that if the openers have given a good start, just continuing that or whatever the situation is, I'm trying to learn from that."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Tripathi, who scored at a healthy strike rate of nearly 173 against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday, attributed his fine performance this season to his free-flowing batting. This season, he has scored three half-centuries, with his highest being 76 he scored against Mumbai.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It's how the wicket is playing and how I can counter-attack that bowler at that time," said Tripathi of his free-flowing batting. "If I see that it's (ball) there and I can take the bowler on, then I definitely go for the shot. If it's not there, then I just look to take those singles and doubles."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the batter on the threshold of crossing the 400-run
\r\nmark in an IPL season, Tripathi said the milestone was as important for him as keeping the strike rate high.<\/p>\r\n\r\n