Published: Jun 03, 2016, 04:26 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 04, 2016, 08:22 PM (IST)
Australian vice-captain David Warner, after a fairy tale IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad will be looking to extend his magnificent season and refocus on the tri-series in West Indies. Warner, who was the second-highest run-scorer in IPL 2016, only next to Virat Kohli, has displayed superb maturity and responsibility ever since Steve Smith became the captain for Australia after Michael Clarke’s retirement. Warner’s batting and leadership levels have gone up immensely, and this improvement has certainly been spotted by some cricketing greats, former skipper Ian Chappell being one of them who want the 29-year old to lead the T20 side. Australian opener, Aaron Finch also felt Warner would do an amazing job as captain if called upon. ALSO READ: David Warner would do an amazing job as Australia captain, says Aaron Finch
Warner, who arrived to Guyana, a day later than his teammates, because of his IPL commitments was quick to shy away from the captaincy talks. He said, “That’s very kind of Aaron to say that, but I’d prefer to answer those questions if something was to arise. I’m under Steven, he’s the captain and he’s the best person to do that job and he’s been assigned that by the [Cricket Australia] Board.”So that’s for us to totally respect and I’m hoping he never gets injured. I’ll just have to wait for that opportunity,” as quoted by cricket.com.au. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli, Sunrisers Hyderabad show admirable sportsmanship on Twitter
Warner’s aggression on the field and in his captaincy has been key in him improving as a cricketer. He feels that will again play a part in the upcoming tri-series against South Africa and West Indies. Warner said – “My energy on and off the field, trying to get the guys moving in the right direction, that goes a long way and I know when I come back to the Australian team, I know my energy is the key to a lot of our success as well. When the guys are up and about, it moves the team in the right direction. And we have a lot of guys who have that ability to get everyone up and going.” ALSO READ: West Indies coach Phil Simmons concedes Australia are favorites to win the tri-series
Warner, who lead his team to their IPL win recently had played a terrific role as a captain and lead from the front. His performances with the bat were very vital for Sunrisers Hyderabad at the top of the order, and helped them cruise past the finishing line through the qualifiers and eliminator. Warner when asked about the impressive win, said – “It was very overwhelming, I always knew I had the ability to lead from the front and I had to try and start the team off to a good start, like every team I’m involved in. But to be captain and lead an IPL franchise to a victory, it was emotional. I can stand here today and hold my head high that I was able to point the guys in the right direction and have them buy into the way we wanted to play.
He added – “It’s taken a couple of years for the Sunrisers to do that and this year caps it off.”
Meanwhile, South Africa captain, AB de Villiers who also had a spectacular season for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) this year and will be leading the South African side in the tri-series praised Warner as well. De Villiers said – “Davey had a fantastic tournament, I’ve got a lot of respect for him as a cricketer and the way he’s played over the past few seasons. He’s matured a lot, he’s shown that now [by] captaining an inexperienced Sunrisers team and winning the tournament.”
De Villiers, who will play with his side in the series opener against West Indies though hoped Warner doesn’t get going this time around. He said – ” Lots of credit has to go for him for a fantastic tournament. Hopefully he won’t have as good as tournament this time around, but congrats to him.”
