IPL 2021: Big statement by Dale Steyn, ‘IPL 2021 could be David Warner’s last season with Sunrisers Hyderabad’

IPL 2021 – David Warner Sunrisers Hyderabad: Neither fans nor cricket experts are able to digest David Warner’s axing from playing XI of Sunrisers Hyderabad. South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn feels the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League could be David Warner’s final season with the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Steyn is completely shocked with SRH’s decision to axe Warner from SRH’s Playing XI on Sunday against Rajasthan Royals.

“It’s strange that he isn’t a part of the playing eleven. It’s understandable if they want to change ownership of captaincy for the next season, and keep Kane there. But David is still a phenomenal batter and I would still keep him in the eleven. But this might be the last time we see Warner in the Orange Army,” Steyn told ESPNCricinfo.

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Warner is the fifth on the list of IPL’s highest run-getters. He is the only batsmen to score fifty half-centuries in the tournament and a three-time Orange Cap winner, the most by any player and to treat player of this caliber hasn’t gone down well with Steyn.

Even though SRH’s director of operations Tom Moody hinted that Warner’s axing was purely based on the team composition, Steyn feels there is more to it.

“I don’t know if David may have questioned some of the decisions, maybe when Manish Pandey was left out. Sometimes, the management doesn’t appreciate that, I guess. The captain of the team also needs to take ownership of his squad and who’s going out on the field. Seems like there’s definitely happening something behind closed doors, the public is not aware of,” mentioned Steyn.

IPL 2021: Why David Warner was axed for SRH’s playing XI?

Before axing of Warner as captain, Sunrisers Hyderabad had lost 5 out of 6 matches. Warner’s struggle to score quick was quote evident. But Warner’s struggle with his strike-rate was not the only reason why he got dropped from the playing XI on Sunday – another reason is Warner’s repo with SRH’s think tank.

Warner in IPL 2021 – Matches 6, Runs 193, Average 32, Strike Rate 110.28
Warner’s overall – Matches 148, Runs 5447, Average 42.22, SR – 140

RR vs SRH – SRH Playing XI: As per the information coming in from SRH’s camp, Warner is at complete loggerheads with them on few selection issues.

The same became very evident when Manish Pandey was dropped from one of the SRH’s match. Right before and even after the game Warner described Pandey’s omission from the starting XI as a “harsh” call by the “selectors” making it very evident that all is not well between the management & captain Warner.

The statement by Warner was clear to indicate that captain & SRH management is not on the same page on selection issues and Pandey was dropped against the will of Warner.

Whatever it is – script is getting unfolded in open now and it is clear that Warner & Sunrisers Hyderabad are definitely set to part ways.