Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
Former Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper has penned down a heartfelt note for the Orange Army after being released by the franchise on Tuesday (November 15). The New Zealand skipper who has been with the franchise for eight years now, was let go by the franchise as they aim to end their trophy drought.
Notably, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had put November 15 as the last date for franchises to submit the list of players released and retained. Around twelve players have been released by the Orange Army, which includes some big names like Kane Williamson, Nicholas Pooran, Priyam Garg, Romario Shepherd, Sean Abott, Shreyas Gopal, and many others.
Talking about Williamson, the Kiwi played eight seasons with the franchise, scoring 2101 runs at an average of 36.22 and a strike rate of 126.03. In his eight years, he played 76 matches and led the side in 46 of them.
Ahead of the IPL mini-auction, the 32-year-old took to Instagram to share his memories from the last few years. “To the franchise, my teammates, the staff and the always amazing #orangearmy - thank you for making it an enjoyable 8 years. This team and the city of Hyderabad will always be very special to me”, he wrote.
Australia opener David Warner, who was a crucial member of the Sunrisers squad was quick to reply, “Loved playing alongside you brother”. The former SRH coach Tom Moody also expressed gratitude for sharing a dressing room. “Class all the way, pleasure for us all mate to share a dressing room with you!”, wrote Moody on his post.
