Williamson replaces Warner as Sunrisers captain

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson will lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in this year's IPL after David Warner, alongside Steve Smith, was cut from the competition

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson will lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in this year's IPL after David Warner, alongside Steve Smith, was cut from the competition.

Warner had already resigned as captain before the BCCI announced that both he and Smith would dropped from the IPL.

The Indian governing body acted swiftly to prevent the two Australian batsmen from taking part in the wake of the ball-tampering episode in South Africa

A statement read: "The BCCI hopes that the cricketers participating in the IPL hold the highest regard for the spirit of cricket and code of conduct for players and match officials.

"The concerned IPL franchises will be allowed replacement players".

Sunrisers CEO, K. Shanmugam, said: "We are happy to announce Kane Williamson as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL2018." 

The steady, steely Kiwi will now lead SRH in #IPL2018. Let’s hop on board the Kane Train! Buy your match tickets at https://t.co/MqDwueoiXa and catch the #OrangeArmy live in action. pic.twitter.com/tOzG3CyjPz

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 29, 2018

Williamson himself said he is excited at the opportunity to lead his side.

"I’ve accepted the role to stand in as captain for this season.

"It’s an exciting opportunity with a talented group of players.

"I look forward to the challenges ahead."

In regards to Warner himself, the Blackcaps captain said:

"We've spent a bit of time together in the IPL, played against and with each other. I've sent a few texts, that's about it," Williamson said. "He's not a bad person by any means.

"Through what's eventuated in recent times, there's been a lot of emotion and energy pointed at certain players which has gone to extreme lengths. It will blow over in time, but its grown and grown and like I say he's not a bad guy.

"He's made a mistake and certainly admitted that and they are disappointed with that action. They will have to take the strong punishment and move on. You always learn from tough lessons and I'm sure they'll do that. But it is a shame that two fantastic, world-class players have made a mistake."