Image Source: BCCI
[Saba Sports News] David Warner, the renowned Australian opener, recently discussed his departure from the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise, describing it as “bizarre.” Speaking on Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s channel, Warner shed light on the unexpected circumstances that led to his exit from SRH.
Warner’s IPL journey has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by ups and downs. After a successful stint with the Delhi Capitals from 2009 to 2013, Warner joined SRH in 2014 and became a key player until 2021. Despite leading SRH to victory in the 2016 IPL and delivering outstanding performances, Warner’s time with the franchise ended abruptly.
During the 2021 season, Warner faced challenges, including being relieved of his captaincy midway due to poor form and losses. Subsequently, he was sidelined and even blocked by the franchise on social media. Warner expressed his disappointment, feeling like a spectator and even carrying drinks for his team during matches.
Reflecting on the experience, Warner expressed bewilderment at the treatment from the team management. He highlighted the importance of fan engagement and remained grateful for his fans’ unwavering support.
“It did hurt because it was a sense of like hurt for fans. The fans are the most important relationship you could have. The engagement with the fans that I had, with the team had was very good,” Warner said on Ravi Ashwin’s YouTube channel.
“I am not sure why I was blocked. But I did engage with a lot of fans on the social media side for SRH. I did feel it was my duty to engage with the fans, making sure they kept coming back. That is what is most important. But from the blocking point of view, I do not know. I have been sitting on it for about 5 years. It was bizarre. At the end of the day, I still have fans who come onto my page and talk to everyone. So it is great,” he added.
Warner’s contributions to SRH cemented his status as an IPL legend, with an impressive record of 4,014 runs in 95 matches. However, his journey took a new turn when he joined the Delhi Capitals in 2022. Despite commendable performances for DC, including two centuries and 22 fifties, Warner is yet to secure an IPL title with his new team.