IPL 2018: Sri Lankan explosive batsman might replace David Warner in SRH squad

All the Sunrisers Hyderabad fans were in a state of shock after their skipper David Warner was banned not just by Cricket Australia but was also not allowed to play IPL this season. The Sunrisers Hyderabad have already started hunting for alternatives and they spotted Kusal Perera as a like-for-like replacement.

BBC Correspondent from Sri Lanka and famous journalist Azzam Ameen revealed through his Twitter handle that the Sunrisers have approached to sign the Lankan opener. Kusal Perera admires Sanath Jayasuriya and his batting style too is very much reminiscent of the legendary Lankan opener who tormented bowlers in the late 90s and early 2000s.

“IPL team SunRisers Hyderabad has approached Kusal Janith Perera as a possible replacement for Banned David Warner, deal yet to be finalized,” said Azzam Ameen in his tweet. Although the deal is not completed as yet, it makes an awful lot of sense for the Sunrisers to go for him. Kusal Perera was in outstanding form in the recently concluded Nidahas Trophy, which might be one of the reasons why Sunrisers scouted him for a replacement.

Warner’s departure leaves a massive void for SRH

Steve Smith is the other cricketer who faced the axing following the ball-tampering scandal. But his absence will not be affecting the Rajasthan Royals when compared to Warner’s absence. David Warner has been the hero for the Sunrisers ever since he joined the club, amassing over 500 runs in every season he donned the Orange jersey. He also led their side to IPL glory in 2016.

Dhawan and Warner have formed one of the best opening pairs in IPL history and it’ll be hard for the SRH to find someone as influential as the pocket-sized dynamite. Warner won the Orange Cap twice in the last three seasons, which is a testament to his consistency.

Whilst Joe Root is being touted as the hot-favorite to replace Steve Smith at Rajasthan Royals, many openers like Shaun Marsh, Martin Guptill, and Hashim Amla are also on the radar to fill in Warner’s boots. Although there is no official confirmation, Kane Williamson is highly likely to take up Sunrisers’ captaincy duties for the upcoming season.