IPL 2021 – SRH Captain David Warner: Australian opener David Warner who is also the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) could be doubtful for the 14th edition of the tournament. The explosive left-hander is continuing his rehabilitation from a groin injury that he suffered in November 2020 but the process could last nine months according to the batsman.
“Next week I’ll be picking up throwing. That was very difficult the last couple of weeks, even trying to throw. Now it’s all about lateral movement — running between the wickets. It’s going to aggravate me for the next six to nine months. But I’m sure the medicos will help me out there,” Warner said.
Warner tore his groin tendon against India in the second ODI forcing him out of the final ODI, T20I series and the first two Tests. While he returned to the side for the last two Tests, he was not at his best, scoring 5, 13, 1 and 48 in four innings.
With his rehabilitation expected to last around nine months, Warner could be doubtful for IPL 2021 as he would want to risk aggravating the injury and be ready for the ICC T20 World Cup in October.
That means SRH could be without their skipper or he would not be able to give his 100 percent. The other factor that could come into play is if the IPL is played in multiple cities which will involve a lot of travelling in a short period of time. With 14 matches in nearly 60 days in addition to travel, Warner’s injury could be further aggravated.
“I have spoken to a few people that have actually had that type of injury and they have just said it’s a niggle. You have just got to teach your brain to not worry about the pain and that it’s not going to happen again. It’s just getting back that confidence to sidestep and run as hard as I can and dive around again. Once I get that, I will be right to go. It’s just not 100% there yet,” Warner said.
It can force Cricket Australia not to issue the NOC (no-objection certificate) he needs to play in the IPL, considering future tours and ICC T20 World Cup. In the meantime, it remains to be seen if Warner plays for New South Wales next month in the Sheffield Shield.