David Warner confirms leaving Sunrisers Hyderabad after IPL 2021

Dubai: David Warner has had an IPL season to forget so far. A three-time Orange Cap winner, Warner had landed in India to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in his 5th season as the full-time captain. However, the SRH’s campaign didn’t go down as per the plan and he was sacked during the India leg of the season after the Orange Army only managed 1 win from the first 6 matches.

To add to it, the team management also dropped him from the playing XI, confirming that he wasn’t in the scheme of things. After Jonny Bairstow withdrew from the UAE leg of the season, Warner made his comeback in the playing XI. However, the senior batsman failed to capitalise on the opportunities and only managed 2 runs in as many matches.

He was dropped for the tie against Rajasthan Royals (RR) and was replaced by Jason Roy. While his axing didn’t surprise many, the fact that Warner didn’t travel to the stadium with the team has garnered much limelight.

Replying to a fan on Instagram, Warner has confirmed that he won’t be travelling to the stadium again, hinting that his IPL career with SRH is all but over. With only 2 wins from 9 matches, SRH are placed at the last spot and are practically out of IPL 2021.

Warner had first joined SRH in 2014. Courtesy of his brilliant run with the bat, he took over the charge of the team in 2015. He captained SRH to their maiden title in 2016. SRH made it to the 2nd round of IPL 2017. Back as captain in 2020, Warner once again led them to the 2nd round, where they lost to Delhi Capitals in the 2nd Qualifier.

A string of defeats in the first phase of IPL 2021 marked Warner’s downfall and Kane Williamson was re-appointed as captain after 6 matches.

Despite his below-par returns in the season, Warner could be one of the top picks in the IPL mega-auction next year. In fact, he will also be a strong candidate to lead a franchise.