David Warner was the major talking point ahead of Hyderabad’s clash with Rajasthan in the Indian T20 League on Sunday. The southpaw’s poor form and captaincy had seen him getting dropped from the leadership role and eventually axed with Kane Williamson taking his role.

Batting first, Rajasthan posted a mammoth 220/3 riding on Jos Buttler’s 124 as Hyderabad could manage just 165/8 in 20 overs. Warner was seen performing the 12th man duties as the orange army went on to lose by 55 runs - their heaviest defeat this season. 

Mohammad Nabi, who came into the side at the expense of Warner conceded 21 runs in the lone over that he bowled. In the post-match presentation, Kane Williamson didn’t dismiss Warner’s return to the playing eleven.

Under  Warner’s leadership, Hyderabad have won the Indian T20 League title once with the Australia opener being a constant pillar for them. He has amassed 5447 runs in 148 matches at a strike rate of 140.13 and ranks fifth in the all-time list of Indian T20 League run-scorers. Warner also won the Orange Cap in 2015 and 2017 and tops the list of batsmen with most half-centuries in the tournament. 

His absence was heavily felt and Hyderabad fans made it known on the social media by lashing out at the management for their decision.


Featured Image: Twitter/ Sunrisers Hyderabad

Related tags:

Indian Premier League, 2021 Indian T20 League