After being released by Delhi, Warner found a new home in Hyderabad, where SRH acquired him for Rs. 5.5 crores in the 2014 auction
Born from the ashes of the Deccan Chargers in 2012, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), under the ownership of the Sun TV Network, has carved its niche in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) history. Despite facing obstacles, the Sunrisers have etched their name in IPL history with two coveted titles, once as Deccan Chargers (2009) and once as Sunrisers Hyderabad (2016). Their journey to success includes six playoff appearances and a memorable runner-up finish, highlighting their consistency and competitiveness in the league.
Let's delve into the captivating saga of leadership within the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise throughout the exhilarating journey of the IPL.
Despite Kumar Sangakkara's prominence in cricket, his captaincy at SRH during the 2013 IPL season faced challenges. While the team performed reasonably well, Sangakkara's form disappointed, scoring only 120 runs at an average of 13.3 and a strike rate of 88.2 in nine matches as captain. As a result, SRH alternated the captaincy between Sangakkara and Cameron White in pursuit of success.
Although he struggled with his form, Cameron White took over as captain of SRH during the latter part of the IPL 2013 season; under White's captaincy, SRH had a successful campaign, securing a playoff spot in their inaugural season. Despite their efforts, they fell short in the Eliminator against the Rajasthan Royals. During White's tenure, SRH played eight matches, winning five and losing three games.
Shikhar Dhawan, retained from the previous Hyderabad franchise, took over as captain for SRH during the Champions League T20 after their IPL 2013 playoff qualification. He continued as captain for SRH in the IPL 2014 season but was eventually replaced due to a slow start, resulting in a sixth-place finish for the team. During his tenure, Dhawan led SRH in 16 matches, winning seven and losing nine. Despite the leadership challenges, he remained a vital player until 2018, accumulating 2768 runs at an average of 35 and a strike rate of 125.
Darren Sammy, the renowned West Indies T20 World Cup-winning captain, joined the Hyderabad franchise in 2013 and continued with them into the 2014 season. 2014 Sunrisers Hyderabad struggled, losing six out of their first ten matches. Consequently, Shikhar Dhawan was relieved of his captaincy duties, and Sammy took over. During his brief stint as captain, Sammy led Sunrisers Hyderabad in four matches, winning two and losing two.
David Warner celebrating his century against Royal Challengers Bangalore
David Warner's journey with Sunrisers Hyderabad epitomises the saying, "one man's loss is another man's gain." After being released by Delhi, Warner found a new home in Hyderabad, where SRH acquired him for Rs. 5.5 crores in the 2014 auction. This move heralded a remarkable era for both Warner and SRH.
Following an impressive season with the bat in 2014, Warner's leadership skills earned him the captaincy for the subsequent year. Under his guidance, SRH achieved unprecedented success, culminating in their maiden IPL trophy in 2016 after a fairytale turnaround. Warner's leadership continued to propel SRH to new heights in the following seasons, despite a brief setback in 2021 when he was relieved of captaincy and playing duties mid-season.
In addition to his leadership, Warner's batting prowess in the IPL is unparalleled. He holds the record for six consecutive seasons with 500+ runs, establishing himself as one of the league's most incredible batters. With over 4000 runs for SRH at an average of 50.8 and a strike rate of 142.8, Warner's legacy as an IPL legend is firmly cemented.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's captaincy tenure with Sunrisers Hyderabad showcased his significant contributions on and off the field. Despite battling injuries, he emerged as a vital part of SRH's bowling attack, consistently showcasing skill and resilience. Given the captaincy ahead of the 2019 IPL, Bhuvneshwar faced high expectations. However, a tough start led to his mid-season removal. With 115 wickets in 95 games at an economy rate of 7.49, Bhuvneshwar's bowling prowess has been crucial for SRH's success.
Kane Williamson's captaincy with Sunrisers Hyderabad was marked by both success and challenges. He assumed leadership during pivotal moments in the team's journey. Appointed skipper in 2018 following David Warner's ban, Williamson led SRH to the IPL runners-up position, showcasing astute captaincy and batting prowess.
Continuing in 2019, he guided SRH to another playoff berth, displaying consistency and resilience amid stiff competition. In the tumultuous 2021 season, marked by internal turmoil, Williamson once again led with composure and adaptability despite the team's struggles. Leading SRH in 2022, Williamson faced the task of rejuvenation after a disappointing campaign, resulting in an 8th-place finish.
During IPL 2021, Sunrisers Hyderabad faced a unique situation when their captain, Kane Williamson and vice-captain, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, were unavailable for a crucial game against Mumbai Indians. In their absence, the team management turned to experienced campaigner Manish Pandey to lead the side. Despite Pandey's leadership, Sunrisers Hyderabad struggled against Mumbai Indians and ended up losing the game.
To revitalise their campaign after a disappointing 2022 season, Sunrisers Hyderabad appointed Aiden Markram as captain for the 2023 IPL season, replacing former skipper Kane Williamson. Under Markram's leadership, SRH showed signs of improvement, winning four out of the 13 games he led. Despite on-field challenges, Markram contributed with the bat, scoring 248 runs throughout the season.
Sunrisers Hyderabad's captain, Pat Cummins, is in action against the Chennai Super Kings in Hyderabad
The acquisition of the World Cup-winning Australian captain for a whopping 20.5 crores has infused new energy into SRH. Leading from the front, he's guided the team to impressive totals, showcasing dominance in batting and bowling. With notable performances, including ten wickets and 42 runs, he's become a key player for SRH. Fans hope this strong start under his leadership could lead to clinching the IPL Cup. All eyes will be on SRH as they aim for the championship title.