Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody believes David Warner’s captaincy skills have been key to the team’s surge this season.

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Warner has been central to Hyderabad’s six victories scoring 423 runs in 11 games and earning four man of the match awards. The Australian opener with a history of behavourial issues, has been composed as a captain and handled the team well.

He’s been equally good with his tactics, earning two back to back victories for Hyderabad, that has put them in contention for a playoff spot.

Hyderabad have to win their remaining three matches, beginning with the home game against Kings XI Punjab on Monday night, to be assured of a place in the top four. Moody feels Warner’s backing of the bowlers has also been a crucial factor in their two narrow victories – by seven runs against Rajasthan Royals and by six runs against Delhi Daredevils on Saturday.

“He has been excellent. I think his tactical judgement has been good,” Moody said. “As a captain he has made the right moves at the right times, he has been calm under pressure. Certainly, the bowlers have enjoyed having Warner as captain because he has given them responsibility and he has done a good job.”

Moody feels Hyderabad have hit upon their perfect combination to move ahead despite keeping the likes of Dale Steyn, Trent Boult and Kane Williamson on the bench.

“At this moment the balance of the side is well suited to the combination we are carrying. We have got two world-class bowlers (Steyn and Boult) and a world-class batsman (Williamson) sitting on the sidelines.

“We cannot play with everyone and the balance with which we have gone in the past couple of matches has been effective. We enjoyed success with that.”

Hyderabad start as favourites against Punjab, who have just two wins in 11 games. They won their away meeting in Mohali by 20 runs last month which improved their head to head record to 3-2. Moody, however, is not willing to take George Bailey’s side lightly. “We are looking forward to win but we know that they are dangerous side,” he said.