Cricket: Kane Williamson hailed as a 'pure batsman' by Sunrisers head coach Tom Moody

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Kane Williamson. Photo / AP Photo

Kane Williamson is a "pure batsman" who is as dangerous with the bat in T20 as he is in test cricket, says Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Tom Moody.

Williamson has enjoyed one of his best T20 batting seasons for his IPL side, where he has amassed 544 runs in 12 games including an 84-run stand - his highest score - against the Super Kings last month.

The Sunrisers skipper also holds the season record for half centuries with seven so far.

Despite being known more for his accomplishments as a test and ODI batsman, Williamson's hot form in the shorter format isn't a surprise says Sunrisers coach Moody.

"To be honest it has not been a surprise to us. Kane has been a good T20 player for a number of years. It is really an opportunity for people watching to see the versatility in Kane Williamson," Moody told NewIndianExpress.com.

"He has got a T20 hundred, I think about four years ago in the Champions League. It is no surprise to us that Kane has the ability to adapt from Test cricket to 50-over cricket, down to T20 cricket. That is why we bought him four years ago.

"A pure batsman still is very dangerous in this format. Probably the best example would be Mike Hussey. He was seen as a pure Test cricketer but I tell you what, he could play T20 cricket too."

Williamson currently sits in fourth in the runs aggregate category, while his average of 60.44 is third best in the league.

The 27-year-old took over as captain of the Hyderabad side from disgraced Australian cricket star David Warner who is currently banned for his involvement in the ball-tampering controversy during Australia's test series with South Africa.

Williamson has been praised for his leadership and has more than made up for the missing Warner's runs.

The top-of-the-table Sunrisers face the Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday morning.