David Warner will be top pick in IPL auction – Virender Sehwag

Australia’s David Warner may well be the hot pick during the next IPL auction, according to India legend Virender Sehwag.

Warner spent a large chunk on the bench with Sunrisers Hyderabad during this year’s IPL after suffering a significant drop in form.

However, the hard-hitting left-hander once again proved his mettle in 20-over cricket during the T20 World Cup that followed.

Warner finished the tournament as the second-highest run-scorer, which included a crucial half-century in the final as Australia won their first T20 World Cup title.

With rumours rife that Warner could leave the SRH side leading up to the next IPL auction, Sehwag thinks he will be the top target for one of the new teams.

This owing to his glut of experience and leadership ability.

No doubt Warner will be approached

“I believe the two new franchises that are entering the fray will have the option of picking three fresh options, and David Warner could well be on their radar,” Sehwag said.

“They can get a dependable opener and a great captain. They can get two more players like him and form a team around those three.

“No doubt, Warner will be approached by one of the two teams as captain and player.”

Sehwag spent some time at the wicket and in the changeroom with Warner, during their time together with the Delhi IPL franchise.

“I think before playing for Australia, he featured in the IPL. From there, the journey he has embarked upon has been a phenomenal one,” Sehwag continued.

“David Warner started off as a T20 player and after that, he played ODIs and Tests.

“He is mentally very strong. David Warner has that hunger to score runs and he too sees competition within the Australia team.

“He has that passion that drives him to score consistently across formats.”