SRH Kane Williamson: A look back at former SRH skipper’s IPL career with the Orange Army

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has been one of the most consistent teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception. The franchise, which was formed in 2012, won the IPL trophy in 2016 and made it to the playoffs five times. Among the many talented players that have been part of the team, Kane Williamson stands out as one of the most successful and impactful ones.

Williamson’s IPL journey with SRH started in 2015, when he was bought for Rs 60 lakh. He played a handful of games that season, scoring 142 runs in six innings at an average of 28.40. The next year, he was retained by the franchise, and he repaid their faith in him by scoring 256 runs in 10 innings at an average of 28.44.

Also Read: SRH 2023 Player List: Sunrisers Hyderabad Squad; Players Bought at IPL Auction

In 2017, Williamson became an integral part of the SRH team, scoring 256 runs in 14 innings at an average of 18.28. He continued his good form in the next season, scoring 735 runs in 17 innings at an average of 52.50, which included eight half-centuries. It was in 2018 that Williamson had his best IPL season, scoring 735 runs in 17 innings at an average of 52.50, which included eight half-centuries.

SRH Kane Williamson: The Captaincy Stint

In 2018, Williamson was appointed as the captain of SRH, taking over from David Warner, who was banned from IPL for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal. Williamson led SRH to the finals of IPL 2018, where they lost to Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets. Despite the defeat, Williamson’s leadership skills were lauded by many experts, who praised him for his calm demeanor and tactical acumen.

Under Williamson’s captaincy, SRH made it to the playoffs in IPL 2019, where they were knocked out by Delhi Capitals in the Eliminator. Williamson missed a few games that season due to injury, but he still managed to score 156 runs in six innings at an average of 31.20.

In IPL 2020, Williamson played a crucial role in SRH’s campaign, scoring 317 runs in 12 innings at an average of 45.28. However, the team failed to make it to the playoffs, finishing seventh on the points table.

Williamson’s Performance in IPL 2021

In IPL 2021, Williamson was once again appointed as the captain of SRH, taking over from Warner, who was sacked by the team in the middle of the season due to poor form. However, the Kiwi batsman could not turn the team’s fortunes around, as they won only six out of their 14 games and finished at the bottom of the points table.

Williamson himself had a decent season, scoring 231 runs in 11 innings at an average of 46.20. However, he was not able to convert his starts into big scores, as he failed to score a single half-century that season.

Williamson’s Move to Gujarat Titans

In IPL 2022, Williamson was released by SRH ahead of the auction. He was one of the most sought-after players in the auction, with many teams vying for his services. Eventually, he was bought by Gujarat Titans for INR 2 Crore. Williamson’s move to Gujarat Titans was seen as a smart move by many experts, as the team was in need of an experienced and reliable middle-order batsman.

Conclusion

Kane Williamson’s IPL journey with SRH has been nothing short of impressive. He has been one of the team’s most consistent and reliable performers, scoring runs at crucial moments and leading the team with distinction. Williamson’s leadership skills were on full display in IPL 2018, where he led the team to the finals and was named the Player of the Tournament.

Although Williamson’s captaincy stint in IPL 2021 did not go as planned, he still managed to score runs and lead the team with grace and poise. With his move to Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023, Williamson will be hoping to continue his good form and help his new team win their maiden IPL trophy.

Also Read: IPL team 2023: Check complete IPL 2023 Player List

Overall, Williamson’s contribution to SRH’s success in IPL cannot be overstated. He will be remembered as one of the team’s greatest players and a true ambassador of the sport