IPL 2019: 3 overseas openers to watch out for
The 12th edition the world's biggest T20 league - IPL 2019 - is set to begin on March 23. The excitement for the tournament is already sky-high, which is no surprise considering the amount of money, coverage and entertainment it offers.
In all the editions of the tournament except 2018, the Orange Cap - given to the highest run-getter - has been bagged by openers. It is the openers who set the tone of the game, and they are expected to provide a solid start to the team.
In a format like T20, the openers also have to understand the pitch and conditions quickly and adjust to it. Here, we take a look at 3 overseas openers to watch out for in this edition of the IPL.
#3 David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
The 32-year-old David Warner missed the IPL in 2018 due to the 12-month ban imposed on him over the ball-tampering incident. The return of Warner would be a big boost to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Warner’s IPL stats are pretty impressive. He has played for Delhi Daredevils (2009-2013) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (2014-present), and has been a pivotal member of the team throughout.
In 2016, Warner led the Sunrisers Hyderabad to their maiden IPL title. He also won the Orange Cap in 2015 and 2017. Warner has an overall IPL record of 2824 runs from 114 matches averaging 40.54 at a strike rate of 142.13.
Earlier in 2019, Warner played in the Bangladesh Premier League for the Sylhet Sixers but had to return home due to a minor elbow injury which required surgery. He is expected to be fit before the IPL.
However, most of the Australian players including Warner would have to return home for the World Cup preparations by the end of April. That means they will miss nearly half of the matches in this season.
Warner is expected to open the innings along with Wriddhiman Saha. He will be hoping to make his short stint with the Sunrisers this year a memorable one.