A day after stripping David Warner of the captaincy, Sunrisers Hyderabad have dropped the Australian star as they seek to revive their Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign under Kane Williamson.
The franchise, languishing at the bottom of the points table after just one win in their first six matches, axed opener Warner from their team to play against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday.
The usually free-scoring Warner rued his slow batting in their previous match against Chennai Super Kings and took "full responsibility" for the loss.
His two fifties notwithstanding, the opener's unremarkable strike rate of 110 reveals his struggle to capitalise on the new ball and fielding restrictions.
Hyderabad brought in Afghan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi instead as the fourth overseas player in the playing XI, which also includes Englishman Jonny Bairstow and Afghan spinner Rashid Khan.
New Zealand skipper Williamson was handed the captaincy on Saturday, replacing Warner who led Hyderabad to their maiden IPL title in 2016.
"The change is fairly sudden," said Williamson at the toss.
"For me it's just trying to pick up where we've been operating as a group, just try and improve in all facets.
"We know we are able to do that, just make those small adjustments, and hopefully that reflects on the results."
The New Zealand captain said Hyderabad had a "lot of work to do" in the last half of their campaign in the eight-team league.
"It's important we adjust to the conditions that are always changing, and come out, play with smile on our faces."
Australian Associated Press
