David Warner's comeback will be a huge advantage for us: VVS Laxman

Former India batsman and Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman believes David Warner’s return will be a big boost for the franchise for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Warner had missed the last edition of the competition in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal. After Cricket Australia banned the opener for a year, BCCI had also followed suit by barring him and Steve Smith to play in the IPL.

Warner’s absence, however, had not hurt the team too much as Kane Williamson led the side admirably well. The right-hander was appointed the captain at the last moment and he lived up the expectations. The New Zealand skipper finished the competition as the top run-scorer, helping the Sunrisers make it to the final where they lost to the Chennai Super Kings.

The Sunrisers will now be looking to go one step ahead this season and Warner’s return has only boosted their chances. Before the ban last year, the southpaw was the batting mainstay of the side. In the last four seasons, he has played in, Warner has scored – 641, 848, 562, 528. In two of those editions, the Australian opener had clinched the Orange Cap while in 2016, he finished second only to Virat Kohli while leading the Sunrisers to their maiden IPL title.

I felt the one-year ban was harsh

“It was never artificial, so natural for they all respect David for his contribution to the team’s success and also his world-class reputation as a batsman. David’s comeback will be a huge advantage for us,” Laxman told Sportstar.

Unsurprisingly, the Sunrisers are excited to have David Warner back as Laxman revealed how warmly the star batsman was welcomed back in the team. At the same time, the legendary batsman also said that the one-year ban on Warner and Steve Smith for ball-tampering was harsh.

“David has been a wonderful leader and a brilliant batsman. It is just his presence in the dressing room that is a major plus and a great learning experience for the youngsters.

“Everyone knows what happened (regard to ball tampering controversy) which was not right. But, personally, I felt it was very harsh to keep them (David and Steve Smith) away from international cricket for one year. So, the best way for us is to welcome him back as naturally as we can,” he added.

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