Sunrisers Hyderabad has announced their captain for the twelfth edition of the Indian Premier League. Which is about to begin on March 23. Kane Williamson, who led them last year, will stick to the same post this year as well despite the return of David Warner. Hyderabad’s mentor VVS Laxman announced this news before the commencement of the tournament.
Warner was the regular skipper of SRH until last year when the BCCI barred him from participating in the tournament. He was found guilty of the infamous ball tampering incident during Cape Town Test between Australia and South Africa. Cricket Australia banned him, along with skipper Steve Smith, for one year from playing in any grade cricket in Australia.
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Though Warner is making a comeback in this year IPL, the franchise decided to stick with the services of Williamson, who successfully led SRH with both bat and his captaincy skills. Also, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is named Williamson’s deputy for this season.
The SRH begins their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on March 24. VVS Laxman spoke on the leadership hierarchy in the side saying that the SRH look to continue with the same roles as it went last season, keeping Williamson in charge.
“Kane is an outstanding batsman and also a highly respected international player. He has stepped in for us last year and has shown good leadership qualities.”
Laxman quoted as saying by Times of India.
Laxman went on to mention that the punishment of Warner was a bit harsh and the franchise is very proud of the achievements of Australian southpaw.
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“Personally, I felt the punishment was not right since I have seen him from close quarters. I am sure that he would continue to contribute for Sunrisers,” he added.
Former Indian batsman sees the presence of Shakib Al Hasan, Manish Pandey and Warner as a big essence for the team as they all have some captaincy experience.
Warner has quite an impressive track record in the IPL with over 4,000 runs, three centuries and one title as the captain with SRH in 2016. His ban will end on March 29 and will make an international return on the same day, when he, along with Steve Smith, will play against Pakistan in an ODI. Thus, he can miss two or three matches for SRH.
