IPL 2021: "SRH's biggest problem was David Warner's captaincy" - Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan has said that David Warner's uninspiring captaincy was one of the main reasons for the Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) poor run in IPL 2021.

SRH handed over the reins to Kane Williamson after suffering defeats in five of their six matches under David Warner's leadership. However, the move did not yield immediate dividends as the Orange Army was handed a 55-run drubbing by the Rajasthan Royals.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Irfan Pathan expressed surprise at SRH's insipid displays in IPL 2021 and pointed out that David Warner's captaincy and batting are to be blamed to a large extent.

"They surprised us. They were a top-four team for me. SRH's biggest problem was David Warner's captaincy, the way he was managing the team and the way he was batting. He was batting very cautiously," said Pathan.

The former India all-rounder highlighted that SRH replacing their skipper implies they were dissatisfied with his decision-making.

"When Kane Williamson was made the captain later, it means franchise was not happy with him, the way he was making the decisions," added Pathan.

The SRH management stated they relieved David Warner of his duties as they wanted to go with an overseas all-rounder. With Jonny Bairstow and Kane Williamson in good form, they did not have any other option but to leave Warner out of their playing XI and thereby change the captain as well.

David Warner relieved from the captaincy duties. #SRH saying they’ll re-look at the overseas options for tomorrow’s game vs #RR. Holder or Nabi coming in for Warner then? TBH...didn’t see that coming. Warner fit & available but not in the playing XI. #IPL2021

— Wear a Mask. Stay Safe, India (@cricketaakash) May 1, 2021

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"SRH don't have any experienced players in the middle" - Irfan Pathan

Kedar Jadhav was not part of the SRH playing XI in the first few matches [P/C: iplt20.com]

While highlighting the lack of experience in the SRH middle order, Irfan Pathan questioned the decision of not playing Kedar Jadhav in the initial stages of the tournament.

"We always talk about SRH that they don't have any experienced players in the middle. Kedar Jadhav did not play at the start although he is an experienced player. They played Suchith for a couple of matches and then again dropped him," said Pathan.

The 36-year-old concluded by stating that the absence of an express pace bowler is also a concern for SRH.

"They will have to improve their combination and they do not have an out-and-out quick bowler, who can consistently bowl around 140 kph and keep performing on flat pitches," signed off Pathan.

SRH were also hit hard by injuries to two of their most accomplished seamers. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar missed a couple of matches due to a thigh injury, T Natarajan was ruled out of IPL 2021 after playing just two encounters.

Today, I underwent knee surgery- and am grateful for the expertise, attention and kindness of the medical team, surgeons, doctors, nurses and staff. I’m grateful to @bcci and to all that have wished well for me. pic.twitter.com/Z6pmqzfaFj

— Natarajan (@Natarajan_91) April 27, 2021