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'Leadership Isn’t About Wearing Captain’s Badge'- David Warner Speaks On Captaincy Ban

image-lqujl71cDavid Warner | Source: X.com

Australian opener David Warner made public his decision to retire from ODI cricket on Monday, January 1, just ahead of his farewell Test match against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). 

Warner, a key player in Australia's 2023 World Cup victory recently in India, revealed that he considered retiring from the 50-over format during the prestigious tournament, a decision that caught many off guard.

Despite wrapping up his career as Australia's top Test opener and the second-highest ODI century contributor, David Warner grapples with public perception tainted by the 2018 sandpaper controversy in South Africa. 

Under a 12-month suspension with leadership restrictions, Warner initially planned to challenge the ban but opted to withdraw the appeal in late 2022, prioritising his young family's peace over a potentially tumultuous off-field process.

Looking back on the chaos, suspension, and captaincy ban, David Warner emphasises that being a captain or vice-captain is more than just wearing badges; it's about staying true to oneself and setting examples on and off the field. 

Here’s what David Warner had said on Monday: 

“I’ve moved forward from that. I’ve got opportunities to lead in the IPL, to lead in the ILT20. I’ve enjoyed my leadership roles.”

Notably, David Warner led Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals in the IPL. Also, he has been recently appointed as the captain of the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20. 

“But for me, in recent years, I’ve learned that leadership (isn’t about) wearing captain’s or vice-captain badges. It’s about being true to yourself, setting an example both on and off the field.”

“For me, I think I’m a leader in this team no matter what – you don’t need that C or VC next to your name. I know myself and my energy at times can be annoying and I can be a pest, but I know that inside that change room it gets everyone up and about.”

Back in January 2009, Warner marked his ODI debut against South Africa in Hobart and finished his career as Australia's sixth-highest run-scorer, following in the footsteps of Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Mark Waugh, Michael Clarke, and Steve Waugh.