IPL 2018: Scrutinizing the captains

#2 Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson shone both as batsman and captain

Called in to captain the side owing to the unfortunate absence of David Warner, Kane Williamson showed tremendous potential in his side's opening night domination of a hapless Rajasthan side.

First with a brilliant run-out, and then a sharp catch to dismiss the dangerous Ben Stokes, Williamson followed it up with a calm 36 not out with the bat. But his captaincy was even more laudable.

Blessed with possibly the best bowling line-up in the tournament, he marshaled his troops well, changing the bowlers at the right times, and holding on to the important bowlers for the death. It isn't really that hard when you have Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan on your beck and call.

Williamson may not be as aggressive as the man he has replaced but, he was the same if not better tactical guile as Warner, and will play an important role if the Sunrisers Hyderabad are to reach the qualifiers.