No One Can Replace World-Class Warner: Kane Williamson

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan capitalised on a reprieve when on nought as he smashed his way to an unbeaten 77 to help Sunrisers Hyderabad thrash Rajasthan Royals by nine wickets in their opening match of the IPL-11 in Hyderabad on Monday.

Chasing 126 for a win after the Sunrisers’ bowlers had produced a disciplined display to restrict the Royals to a paltry total, Dhawan was dropped in the first over by captain Ajinkya Rahane and that blunder cost the visiting side dear in the end.

The absence of the disgraced Australian batsman David Warner at the top of the order was not felt as Dhawan and Williamson stitched 121 runs for the unbroken second wicket from 14.2 overs.

After the game, Williamson said that he is fortunate to have been asked to captain the Hyderabad team.

Yeah obviously, it happened very quickly as things unfolded. Having known the franchise for a little while, it was a privilege to get asked and i’m fortunate to have a really good bunch of people to work with. 

Kane Williamson, Captain, Sunrisers Hyderabad

Earlier, the Sunrisers produced a disciplined bowling display to restrict the Royals to a paltry 125 for 9. On being asked on the performance of his two spinners, Bangladesh’s Shakib al Hasan and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, he said:

Both spinners bowled beautifully today, both are very experienced in this format.

The home side bowlers justified captain Williamson's decision to put the opposition in after winning the toss as the Royals struggled to score runs on a pitch which got the turn as the match wore on.

It was nice they (bowlers) were aggressive for us and pick out wickets, restricting Rajasthan to the score. It was just the balance and how things were unfolding and you make decisions on time. Sometimes they come off, sometimes they don’t. But we do have a strong bowling attack, it is a strength and the guys executed very well today.

Kane Williamson

The Sunrisers skipper also expressed his team’s loss when asked about David Warner’s absence.

I don’t think anyone can replace David, he’s world class. His performances in the last couple of years have probably been one of the best in the competition. It’s a big loss for us, for our opening partnership.