IPL 2021: Kane Williamson replaces David Warner as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain

Hyderabad at the bottom of the table after five defeats from six matches

David Warner has been replaced by Kane Williamson as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sportzpics for IPL

Kane Williamson replaced David Warner as captain of the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday as the former champions seek to turn around their flagging IPL campaign.

Hyderabad are at bottom of the table in the eight-team tournament having managed one win in their six matches under Warner, who led them to their maiden IPL title in 2016.

"This decision has not come lightly as the management respects the enormous impact David Warner has had for the franchise over a number of years," the team said in a statement.

"The team management has also made the decision that they will be changing their overseas combination for tomorrow's [Sunday's] match against Rajasthan Royals," Hyderabad added.

Warner lamented his slow batting in Wednesday's defeat by Chennai Super Kings and took full responsibility for the loss.

New Zealand captain Williamson missed Hyderabad's first three matches with an elbow injury and scored 16, 66 and 26 without being dismissed in the last three games.

________________________________________________

Top hairstyles of IPL

Andre Russell of Kolkata Knight Riders has unveiled a dramatic look for IPL 2021. Not many can pull that off. Sportzpics for IPL

Mumbai Indians spinner Rahul Chahar's cornrows are becoming a bit of a signature style. Sportzpics for IPL

Mumbai Indians' Hardik Pandya likes to keep it short, while Chris Lynn simply got rid of it all. Sportzpics for IPL

Navdeep Saini of Royal Challengers Bangalore has kept it short with a dash of colour. Sportzpics for IPL

Universe Boss Chris Gayle's dreads add to his aura. Sportzpics for IPL

Sunrisers Hyderabad seamer T Natarajan, left, has the perfect hairstyle for the Indian summer, while Vijay Shankar has decided to let things be. Sportzpics for IPL

Delhi Capitals seamer Tom Curran is brining headbands back in vogue. Sportzpics for IPL

________________________________________________

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals bowler Jaydev Unadkat  said he will donate 10 per cent of his salary from the IPL to the country's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic but believes the tournament is bringing "much-needed" relief to a nation in distress.

India posted a record daily rise of 401,993 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, while the country's death toll reached 211,853.

The Indian cricket board has faced fierce social media criticism for hosting the tournament in the midst of a national crisis, but has said the IPL will continue as scheduled with the final in Ahmedabad on May 30.

Unadkat pledged part of his salary from the IPL which, he said, was offering relief to a nation in distress.

"I am not saying it is right or wrong to play cricket at the moment..." the 29-year-old said in a video message.

"All I feel is that this game brings a much-needed distraction in these uncertain times for a lot of people I know, and it brings joy to many as well."