IPL 2019: SRH announce its captain for the upcoming edition

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will be boosted by the return of David Warner, the former Australian vice-captain who has served a year-long of ban in connection to the ball-tampering and is about to be freed. However, even though the dashing left-handed opener will be eligible to play for the SRH in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 beginning Saturday, he will not be leading the side as earlier.

New Zealander Kane Williamson, who led the side successfully last year both as a captain and batsman after Warner was sidelined, will continue to be the skipper with pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar standing as his deputy. The 32-year-old Warner, who has quite an impressive track record in the IPL with over 4,000 runs, three centuries and one title as the captain (won in 2016), will see his ban getting uplifted on March 29 which means he might start playing after one or two games.

The SRH begins their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders, who they defeated in the qualifier last year to make the finals, at the Eden Gardens on March 24. The orange brigade’s mentor – 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 was quoted as saying by Times of India (TOI). The former Hyderabad batsman also added that the presence of players like Warner, Shakib Al Hasan and Manish Pandey, all of whom have captaincy experiences at some level, gives the Sunrisers a sense of satisfaction about the leadership.

Sunrisers proud about Warner’s achievement, says Laxman

Laxman, who believes the extent of punishment handed to Warner was harsh, said the Sunrisers are proud about the Australian’s achievements. “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.

The SRH though will be without their star opener Shikhar Dhawan who has gone to Delhi Capitals this season in exchange of three players.

The other player who is also returning from the ban in this IPL – Steve Smith – will also play as a member of the Rajasthan Royals and not as the captain. Ajinkya Rahane, who took over the reins last year in Smith’s absence, will don the role this year as well.

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