David Warner in superb rhythm, raring to go: VVS Laxman

Kolkata: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) mentor VVS Laxman on Friday said David Warner looks in superb rhythm and is raring to go as his team prepares to take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) opener here on Sunday. Warner recently recovered from an elbow surgery and smashed a rapid-fire century for his Sydney club side on return.

"He is totally fit and raring to go. He has really worked hard on his fitness and also what really amazed me was the kind of rhythm he showed from the first practice session," Laxman told reporters after the team's practice session at the Eden Gardens. "We also played a couple of practice matches in Hyderabad and he scored in both those matches and was in fantastic rhythm and that is something really pleasing for all of us," he said.

Warner along with Steve Smith will be returning from their year-long ban for their involvement in the Sandpaper Gate fiasco in South Africa.

"David Warner is really looking positive going into this season. It was unfortunate what happened in Cape Town last year and I am sure he is looking forward to contributing to Sunrisers," Laxman said.

"He has been an exceptional player for us, exceptional captain as well, a premier batsman for us and I am sure he will look forward to scoring heavily this season as well and win matches and hopefully the tournament for Sunrisers."

Warner captained Sunrisers to the IPL title in 2016. In 2017, the dashing southpaw finished as the highest scorer with 641 runs in 14 matches with an average of 58.27. After the ball tampering scandal, Warner missed the 2018 edition with New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson taking charge of the team. Laxman was also asked about the workload management of players ahead of the World Cup in May-June. "I think all of them are professional players and playing a tournament like the IPL will help them to be in good rhythm when they go to the World Cup. But they have to be very sensible and smart.” IANS

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