Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman has revealed that every player respects, loves and adores their former skipper David Warner. Warner was banned for one year because of his role in the ball-tampering row. However, Laxman has confirmed that the controversy has not demeaned Warner’s respect in the Hyderabad camp.
Everyone knows what David Warner brings to the table and he is one of the best batsmen of the modern era. The southpaw batsman has been instrumental in the success of the team and had also led his side to glory in IPL 2016. Warner has a great record as he has scored 4014 runs at an average of 40.55 in the league.
Warner will like to make a roaring comeback.
In fact, Warner had also led the franchise with aplomb. The southpaw batsman has always fit well with the group and he has also given confidence to the young lads in the team.
“The day and a half he’s spent here, he’s so overwhelmed by the affection which everyone showers on him,” SRH mentor VVS Laxman told TOI on Monday. “It’s very natural, because of everyone respects, loves and adores Davy for the way he’s contributed to the group. When we pick a player at the auction, one of the elements or the criteria for us is to see whether the player fits into the environment we want at the Sunrisers. It’s not just talent, or ability to score runs or take wickets. That’s why we have a very, very good cohesive unit.
Meanwhile, David Warner has been gone through a lot in the last year. He had to deal with a lot of public humiliation after he was criticised for planning the ball tampering in the Cape Town Test. However, it is time to move forward and Warner will like to make a solid comeback into competitive cricket.
Warner has had a rough time.
“What Warner has gone through was tough. Everyone knows that what happened in Cape Town was not right. But I felt it was definitely harsh to keep them away from international cricket for one year. But he’s someone who’s a fighter. I’m sure he’ll show determination and hunger to score runs. The best way to welcome him back would be to be as natural as possible and be as we were with him before this unfortunate incident happened. And he’s already appreciating that.”
Every franchise will be smart.
On the other hand, VVS Laxman believes every franchise will be smart in managing the workload of the Indian players, who are going to be part of the World Cup squad. Meanwhile, IPL is a hectic tournament and it would be pivotal for the players to take rest at the right time.
“Every franchise will play smart because whoever will be part of the Indian team at the World Cup automatically will be an important member of that particular franchise. As it is, IPL is a packed tournament with a lot of matches and travel involved”.
Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad will begin their IPL campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders on 24th at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.