After years of uncertainty, David Warner is back in a leadership role as the newly appointed captain of Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. The appointment marks a significant moment for Warner, who was banned from captaincy for six years following the infamous “Sandpaper Gate” incident. Having recently retired from international cricket, Warner is now focused on driving the Thunder towards a BBL championship.
Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct Commission recently lifted Warner’s leadership ban, allowing him to once again take charge on the field. Reflecting on his return to the Thunder as captain, Warner shared,
Captaining the Thunder again this season means a lot to me. I was part of the team from the start, and now to be back with that ‘C’ next to my name feels fantastic. I’m looking forward to leading from the front and sharing my experience with the young talent coming through.
David Warner Hints at Potential International Comeback
While David Warner has stepped away from international cricket, he has hinted at the possibility of returning if Australia needs him. Following his retirement, Australia experimented with Steve Smith as an opener in Warner’s absence. However, this move didn’t yield the desired results, with Smith eventually returning to his preferred middle-order slot. With Usman Khawaja as Australia’s only designated opener, Warner has subtly indicated his readiness to step in for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Series against India if required.
Released by Delhi Capitals Ahead of IPL Mega Auction
As Warner’s career takes a new turn in the BBL, there’s also significant news from the IPL. The Delhi Capitals have released Warner from their squad ahead of the 2025 IPL mega auction. Warner, who joined the team in 2022 and captained in Rishabh Pant’s absence during the 2023 season, now finds himself as one of the marquee names in the auction pool. Given his impressive IPL record, Warner is likely to attract considerable attention from teams looking to bolster their top order and bring in a seasoned leader.
For Warner, this season with Sydney Thunder is a fresh opportunity not only to lead but to inspire the next generation—a role he’s fully embracing as he returns to the captaincy stage with a renewed sense of purpose.
