IPL 2018: Five players who could replace David Warner for Sunrisers Hyderabad
Updated - 28 Mar 2018, 08:07 PM
All of a sudden the heads are falling off as infamous ball-tampering controversy has hit hard yet again in the field of cricket. To be precise, the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad dominated the Twenty20 professional T20 league in 2016, the question of its skipper David Warner has risen far and wide after he decided to step down as a leader.
Warner’s decision came following the Australian shenanigans in Cape Town which led the suspension of the trio. It includes skipper and star batsman Steven Smith followed by opening batsman Cameron Bancroft.
The suspension with immediate effect is subjected to the pending investigation.
However, in order to appease the public outcry, the Cricket Australia (CA) has taken the decision.
Moreover, the speculations about the future of Warner will continue until the Board won’t come with the final verdict to persist on.
The impending eleventh edition will kick off on April 7 at iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Simultaneously, the Hyderabad-based outfit has a little time to work on in order to fill the void. It’s indeed going to be a huge loss for the One-time IPL champion when it comes to ushering of a fresh prime minister in the camp.
Scratch that, under the guidance of Tom Moody, the Orange Army has been excelling in giving its best on the field which included explosive Australian Warner.
The 31-year-old Warner’s position is yet to be cleared with him will turn up for the lucrative league or not.
Talking about the landscape of the domestic T20 cricket IPL, it has further paved a way for players to exhibit their leadership qualities.
Time has come as there are several players in the Hyderabad outfit to shoulder the responsibility.
As the things have unfolded, Warner is no longer expected to light up the home base of Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.
Hyderabad is leaving no stone unturned to find a leader who could push his case forward to be as exciting as Warner himself.
Here’s the list of five players who could be one of the choices to replace aggressive professional like David Warner:
Shikhar Dhawan:
The left-handed batsman is one among them who could deliver the punch for SRH.
In the recent past, Dhawan has led his franchise before serving in the fold as a deputy of Warner.
Having the plenty of experience on his back, Dhawan is expected to be an obvious choice for the management of Hyderabad.
Owing to his impeccable concentration, Dhawan has given starts to his team alongside Warner to set the base for rest of the batsmen.
Following the incredible tenth season with the bat, Dhawan stands as the perfect fit to marshal the troops on the field.
The 33-year-old batsman Dhawan played overall 127 matches in which he amassed 3,561 runs at an average of 32.66. He has smashed 28 half centuries since making his IPL debut in the first edition way back in 2008.
Kane Williamson:
Being praised for his temperament, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson could be the second choice as a captain to replace Warner.
Williamson who has a knack for shifting the gear at the top could give a tough fight to other contenders running for the top-brass post.
Serving as the vital cog in the Kiwis batting order, Williamson although had just seven matches in the tenth edition, he went in to prove his credentials. He smashed 256 runs in his seven outing at the average of 31.61.
Pertinently, Williamson made his IPL debut in the eighth edition in 2015 when he featured in just two matches. However, he went on to play six matches in 2016.
The prominent right-handed batter is expected to be effective in the short-paced tournament this time around.
Shakib Al Hasan:
Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is also trying his luck on the list of captaincy post. The incredible professional is known for his cunning accuracy and craftsmanship with the willow.
The left-handed batsman Shakib proved to be street-smart for his old-franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. After the pitch stop in Hyderabad, Shakib is pushing his strong case forward for the leadership role. He is expected to make most of his opportunity on the field than actually warming the bench.
In 2012, 2014, Shakib was the part of Knight Riders when the Kolkata-based outfit was crowned as champions
The 31-year-old Shakib, who made his entry in IPL way back in 2011. He went on to play 43 matches in which he scored 498 runs at an average of 21.65.
The prominent spinner Shakib bagged 43 wickets to seal his average of 25.60.
Manish Pandey:
The 28-year-old batsman Manish Pandey, who is ready to deliver at any position in the batting order, could also turn up the tide.
Exceptionally talented Pandey has many opportunities to pounce on in the middle-order. Following the injuries, Pandey is ready for the challenge to up his ante.
The Bengaluru-based batsman has somewhat struggled while being affected by inconsistency.
Regular in the IPL fold, Pandey has played 103 matches in which he scored 2,215 runs at the average of 28.39. He has a solitary hundred and nine fifties under his belt.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar:
Outstanding with the ball, fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar serves as one of the options. While looking beyond Warner now, Kumar could also turn out handy if not as a skipper then surely as a deputy to someone around.
The Purple Cap holder Kumar has been a massive asset for the franchise after investing a lot in his way.
The 28-year-old has been in a magnificent form which saw him troubling the batters time-and-time again
So far, following the burgeoning rise, Kumar had a sensation 2017 in which he bagged 26 wickets in 14 outings. In overall 90 matches, Kumar bagged 111 scalps at the phenomenal average of 21.07.
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