IPL 2017: Ricky Ponting believes David Warner will be the player of the tournament
What’s the story?
David Warner may not be in great form but Australian legend Ricky Ponting believes that the Sunrisers Hyderabad will be the "Player of the Tournament" in IPL 2017. Former Australian captain also believes that the responsibility of captaincy will help the southpaw.
Speaking to cricket.com.au, Ricky Ponting said: "You'd think the Player of the Tournament is going to be a spinner or an opening batsman. That's the way the T20 game is right now, so I think Davey [Warner] will be Player of the Tournament. You always like to go into any tournament with a lot of runs under your belt, but to me Davey is the sort of guy that it won't bother too much.”
Extra Cover: IPL 2017 SRH vs GL: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Today's probable playing 11 against Gujarat Lions (GL)
The Context
Although David Warner finished as the second-leading run-scorer in IPL 2016 behind Virat Kohli and helped Sunrisers Hyderabad claim the title, he comes into IPL 2017 in poor form. In the four-match Test series against India, Warner scored just 193 runs at an average of under 25.
The Details
Warner didn’t have a great start to IPL 2017 as a batsman, as he was dismissed for 14 in the opening game against RCB. He did have a great game as captain though with his field placements and bowling changes to help the reigning champions get off to a winning start.
Ponting believes that Warner flourishes with the extra responsibility of captaincy and despite poor form leading up to the tournament, he will come good "against the white ball and on very good pitches”.
What’s next?
After winning their opening game against RCB, Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Gujarat Lions in their second match of IPL 2017. And they have further good news in the form of Mustafizur Rahman who is expected to be available earlier than anticipated.
Extra Cover: IPL 2017: Mustafizur Rahman likely to be available for Mumbai Indians clash
Author’s Take
There is little doubt that Warner is one of the best limited-overs openers in the world. His form in the IPL is nothing short of extraordinary as he has the most fifties and fifty-plus scores of any player in the tournament's history. He might not be in great form, but with AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli and several stars missing quite a few games, he isn't a bad pick to be player of the tournament.