Brett Lee has claimed that David Warner was handled brutally in the IPL, which may have knocked off his confidence, ahead of Australia’s first match against South Africa on October 23 in Abu Dhabi. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood’s form, he suggested, will be vital for Australia.
During the Indian leg of the IPL 2021, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) relieved David Warner of his captaincy, and Kane Williamson was named the franchise’s new captain. The situation worsened when the Australian opener was dropped from the starting XI after just appearing in two matches in the UAE portion of the competition. Warner, on the other hand, was visible in the grandstand cheering for his team till their final match in the Gulf country.
Warner later said after the IPL 2021 concluded that he received no explanation from the SRH management for his dismissal as captain. Warner was anticipated to shine in the T20 World Cup warm-up matches, but he scored 0 and 1 in his two appearances against New Zealand and India, respectively.
Meanwhile, Brett Lee claims that Warner was treated unfairly in the IPL, which may have shattered his confidence. Warner’s class is permanent, according to the former Australian bowler, and he will maintain his momentum in the next matches.
“We haven’t had much success in this format – it’s time for a change, and we do have a team capable of going all the way.” “Obviously, it won’t be easy, especially given the strength of teams like England, India, and New Zealand,” Lee said in an ICC editorial.
“However, this Australian team is filled with potential, and David Warner, in my opinion, is the key. After his IPL form, I’d like to think he’s reserving his runs for the games that matter! He was treated quite brutally there, which may have shaken his confidence, but he thrives on the big stage. “Everything should be OK for him here,” Lee replied, “class is everlasting.”
In terms of Australia’s strengths in the major tournament, Lee believes Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood’s form will be key for the Aaron Finch-led team.
“I’m also going to put a lot of faith in Mitchell Starc.” There has been some discussion in the previous year about Starc being past his prime, but he would be in my squad every time. Josh Hazlewood has had a strong IPL season, and Pat Cummins is a legend. He’s the team’s David Beckham, and everything he touches turns to gold,” he said.
Brett Lee, who has played for Australia in 221 ODIs, 76 Tests, and 25 T20Is, believes that Team India has a well-balanced squad and that they are the favourites to win the tournament. He also predicted that KL Rahul will score the most runs and Mohammed Shami would capture the most wickets in the showcase event.
“With their top four or five batsmen and their bowling assault, I believe India are the favourites.” “Based on the previous few months, I have KL Rahul as the leading run-scorer in the tournament and Mohammed Shami as the leading wicket-taker,” he said.
On October 24, India will begin their campaign against arch-rival Pakistan in Dubai.
