IPL 2019 | David Warner’s punishment was not right, says VVS Laxman

Australian opener David Warner, along with Steve Smith was banned for a year, for their involvement in the Sandpaper gate during the third Test of Australia’s tour of South Africa in March last year. However, after a year of suspension, the southpaw is now returning to the Indian Premier League for his franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

Sharing his views on Warner’s ban, the mentor of the Hyderabad-based franchise, Laxman felt that Cricket Australia’s decision to ban the involved players for such a long period was a very harsh one. After the ball tampering incident, which has been very common in cricket, ICC had banned Warner only for one match before CA eventually prolonged it.

“Personally for me, it was very unfortunate what happened at Cape Town. I feel that the kind of punishment which he got was not right,” expressed the 44-year-old, as reported by PTI.

Laxman also opened about Warner’s role in the team, and also the work ethics that he brings to the table. “The kind of role he played in the development of lot of youngsters in the franchise. He is setting an example with his work ethics and the kind of preparation he does before every match,” he said. 

The left-handed batsman had scored 848 runs in the 2016 edition of the cash-rich tournament for the Hyderabad based franchise and followed it up with 641 runs in the next edition, which had taken his tally to 2579 in a period of four years. Laxman did not hold back his praise for Warner, pointing out the difference his presence will make to the side.

“There is a big difference because he is a world class player. For us, as a franchise, we are so proud of what he has achieved for Sunrisers. He is not only a premier match-winner but his leadership skills are also unmatched,” he stated.

The 2016 champions, who had also reached the final in last edition's IPL would be without their highest run-getter Shikhar Dhawan this season. However, they would be more optimistic this year with the addition of overseas players Warner, Martin Guptill, Jonny Bairstow, and other Indian names Vijay Shankar, Abhishek Sharma, and Shahbaz Nadeem. SRH would begin their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 24 at Kolkata.