Ball-tampering scandal: How will the ban impact Rajasthan and Hyderabad?
Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have been hit hard as they have lost their top players in Steve Smith and David Warner respectively. With the IPL 11 starting in another 10 days time, they will have to act fast and find the right replacements for these two cricketers. How will the ban impact these two franchises? We elaborate.
In David Warner, SRH had found their 'greatest-of-all-time' player
Warner stepped down as the skipper on Wednesday, before being banned from the 2018 edition. The southpaw had helped Hyderabad win the title in 2016. He was retained by SRH for Rs. 12 crore and was the fulcrum of the side bearing key responsibilities. He has been the top run-getter for the side since 2014 besides being the Orange Cap winner on two occasions.
Warner a true performer for SRH
Warner joined SRH in 2014. In 2015, he was given captaincy and was the highest run-getter. Next season, he smashed 848 runs, helping SRH bag the title. In 2017, he won the Orange Cap. All these stats show how vital Warner has been for Hyderabad.
New skipper will be tested hard in IPL 2018
SRH were touted as one of the favourites to win the IPL 11 title. Warner's ban has impacted them severely. It was under Warner, Hyderabad scaled new heights. In the last couple of years, Warner has led by an example, scoring runs at will. In Warner's absence, Kane Williamson will lead Hyderabad in IPL11. But can Williamson match Warner's aggressiveness? We have our doubts.
RR will miss Smith's leadership qualities
Royals are making a comeback after a gap of two years and in Smith they had the vision to go long and strong. The Aussie had helped RPS to reach the final in 2017. He was a class act in bringing out the best in his players. A consistent run-getter and a superb leader, he rallies the team around him. His decision-making was spot-on.
Rahane faces huge test as Royals skipper
Ajinkya Rahane has been chosen as the new skipper of Rajasthan. However, in the last 12 months, the Indian Test team vice-captain hasn't featured a lot in India's T20I Playing-XI. Rahane has big shoes to fill in and his first-task is to find Smith's replacement.
Can SRH, RR keep distractions at bay?
The biggest issue for both the franchises will be to find able replacements for these Aussie legends. From being favorites to win IPL 11, they have straight away gone down several notches. With their mental focus likely to be distracted, it makes the role of the senior players even more important. Players, who will be coming in as replacements, also need to be strong.
