David Warner likely to lead Delhi Capitals, Axar Patel to be his deputy in IPL 2023
Last year, the 36-year-old smashed five half-centuries and scored 432 runs in 12 games at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 150.52.
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David Warner; Axar Patel
Australia’s veteran opener David Warner is likely to lead the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the upcoming 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Star all-rounder Axar Patel is set to be his deputy as per recent reports. Warner will replace Rishabh Pant who has been hospitalized with multiple injuries following a horrific car crash last December. He is expected to miss the entire year to recover completely.
“David will be our captain and Axar Patel will be his deputy,” a member of DC was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz over the development. DC will open their campaign in IPL 2023 against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1. Last year, they ended up in fifth place on the points table.
It won’t be for the first time that Warner will get the assignment to captain a side. He previously led the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2016 IPL to clinch the trophy by beating Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the final. But the southpaw parted ways with the Orange Army on a sour note after IPL 2021. DC then roped him in for Rs 6.25 crore at the mega auction last year.
Warner previously played with the Capitals from 2009 to 2013. Last year, the 36-year-old smashed five half-centuries and scored 432 runs in 12 games at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 150.52. Axar Patel has been with the DC franchise since 2019.
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David Warner ruled out of Border-Gavaskar Trophy, expected to return for ODI series
During the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, David Warner picked up an elbow fracture after being hit by Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj during the first innings. And a couple of overs later, he was hit on the helmet as well. Due to this, he was ruled out of the series, and Matt Renshaw was called in as his substitution.
“David Warner has been ruled out of the Qantas test tour of India and will return home. Warner was struck on the elbow in the second Test in Delhi and sustained a hairline fracture,” Cricket Australia confirmed.
In the two Tests, Warner failed to even cross the 20-run mark, getting dismissed for runs like one, 10, and 15. He is expected to return for the three-match ODI series against India, starting March 17.
India have retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and are eying a series sweep because the Aussies haven’t played impressive cricket so far. The hosts are leading the four-match series 2-0. The third Test will be played in Indore from March 1.
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Gouri Das
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