IPL 2021, SRH vs RR: Why was David Warner not at the ground? Trevor Bayliss clarifies

Former champion Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) seemingly got back to winning ways as it beat fellow former champion Rajasthan Royals (RR) by seven wickets in Match 40 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 at the Dubai International Stadium on Monday. Although SRH remains in contention for the playoffs, it is still sailing on dangerous waters, having lost too many games early on.

Meanwhile, former skipper and opener, David Warner, was not in the playing XI during the game, following a string of low performances. Also, he was nowhere to be seen, as he did not travel to the ground with the team and stayed back in the hotel.

Meanwhile, clarifying the reason behind it, SRH head coach Trevor Bayliss told during the post-match press conference, "We can't make the finals, so we made a decision that we want the youngsters to experience not just the matches, but time at the ground and around the set-up. We have a number of young players who haven't even been to the ground, even as reserves, so we wanted to give them opportunity to come and experience a game. And, that might continue for a few more games. We've got to sit down in a day or two and pick a team and a squad of 18."

FULL SCORECARD: IPL 2021 - SRH vs RR

"Dave obviously was watching the game at the hotel and giving his support to the boys. Just like everyone else. We're all in this together. This is the last year before the major final (mega auction). Those decisions will be made later. He (Warner) has been a great contributor to Sunrisers for a number of years, and he's very well-respected. And, with the amount of runs he has scored, I'm sure he has got a lot more runs in him in the IPL," he concluded.

SRH needs to win its remaining four games to stay in the hunt for the playoffs, although it would be dependent on some other results going its way. Meanwhile, it would be up against fellow former champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Thursday in Sharjah.