IPL 2021: Kane Williamson replaces David Warner as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain

Hyderabad at the bottom of the table after five defeats from six matches

David Warner has been replaced by Kane Williamson as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sportzpics for IPL

Kane Williamson replaced David Warner as captain of the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday as the former champions seek to turn around their flagging IPL campaign.

Hyderabad are at bottom of the table in the eight-team tournament having managed one win in their six matches under Warner, who led them to their maiden IPL title in 2016.

"This decision has not come lightly as the management respects the enormous impact David Warner has had for the franchise over a number of years," the team said in a statement.

"The team management has also made the decision that they will be changing their overseas combination for tomorrow's [Sunday's] match against Rajasthan Royals," Hyderabad added.

Warner lamented his slow batting in Wednesday's defeat by Chennai Super Kings and took full responsibility for the loss.

New Zealand captain Williamson missed Hyderabad's first three matches with an elbow injury and scored 16, 66 and 26 without being dismissed in the last three games.

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Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals bowler Jaydev Unadkat  said he will donate 10 per cent of his salary from the IPL to the country's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic but believes the tournament is bringing "much-needed" relief to a nation in distress.

India posted a record daily rise of 401,993 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, while the country's death toll reached 211,853.

The Indian cricket board has faced fierce social media criticism for hosting the tournament in the midst of a national crisis, but has said the IPL will continue as scheduled with the final in Ahmedabad on May 30.

Unadkat pledged part of his salary from the IPL which, he said, was offering relief to a nation in distress.

"I am not saying it is right or wrong to play cricket at the moment..." the 29-year-old said in a video message.

"All I feel is that this game brings a much-needed distraction in these uncertain times for a lot of people I know, and it brings joy to many as well."