BIZARRE SRH EXIT, A HOUSE IN INDIA: DAVID WARNER TALKS UP HIS INDIA EXPERIENCE
David Warner is more popular among Indian fans than some of the local stars. The Australian opener has worked hard on building a positive equation with fans despite having witnessed ups and downs in his professional career. Speaking to R Ashwin in a YouTube show, Warner spoke highly of the love he gets from fans in India, saying he loves the positivity he experiences in the country.
David Warner also recalled his 'hurtful' exit from SunRisers, saying he still doesn't know why the IPL franchise blocked him on social media. Warner, at the same time, spoke highly of the love he received from the cricket fans in Hyderabad, adding he is still in touch with quite a few of them. Warner and his love for Tollywood cinema is well-established and a recent ad shoot with filmmaker SS Rajamouli was a testament to his popularity among the fans of Telugu cinema.Â
"I don't (have a house in India). I did look at some stages. I get a lot of people asking me if I want a house here. One day, maybe when I finish my cricket, I would like to come here and spend some time. Lifestyle is good. I am a people's person. I go to the malls with my girls and I embrace everything," Warner said in the latest episode of R Ashwin's YouTube show.Â
"People say I am mad for going out without security and all that. But, at the end of the day, people have a lot of respect. I think people come and ask for photos, yes. But when you are out without your kids and embracing the culture, I think people understand and keep their distance. Sometimes though, in some smaller villages, it can get a little difficult. We do take security with us. But it's great, I love it. You walk down the street in India and there's always a game of cricket on," he added.Â
Recalling a difficult episode in his otherwise decorated IPL career, Warner said he was hurt by the manner in which his association with the SunRisers ended.Â
Warner started as the captain of the franchise in IPL 2021. He was sacked as captain mid-way through the season and was dropped for poor form in the 2nd half of the season. The relationship between SunRisers and David Warner strained during the IPL 2021 season, marking the end of one of the celebrated chapters in the tournament history.
DON'T KNOW WHY SRH BLOCKED ME: WARNER
Warner was also blocked by SunRisers on social media, adding fuel to the fire. However, the former opener has shied away from revealing what went wrong with the franchise, which he led to a triumphant IPL campaign in 2016.Â
"It did (hurt) because it was a sense of like hurt for fans. The fans are the most important relationship you could have. With the engagement with the fans that I had, with the team had was very good," Warner said.Â
"Not sure why I was blocked. But, I did engage with a lot of fans on the social media side for SRH. I did feel it was my duty to engage with the fans, making sure they keep coming back. That's what is most important. But from the blocking point of view, I don't know. I have been sitting on it for about 5 years. It was bizarre. At the end of the day, I still got fans who come onto my page and talk to everyone. So it's great," he added.Â
'TALL POPPY SYNDROME IN AUSTRALIA'
Warner also expressed his love for the cricket craze in India, saying he doesn't like the prevalent 'tall poppy syndrome back in Australia.Â
"I have a big smile on my face when I land here because everyone is such loving and positive people. In Australia, sometimes we have the tall poppy syndrome. Always the negative mindset before the positive mindset.
"As soon as you come here, everything is positive. People out here are loving life. In Australia, sometimes, we don't ground ourselves enough. I came from a very humble upbringing. I didn't have much at all, but I was happy when I hung around with my friends, playing football and cricket. I enjoy every moment of my life, because you never know when it can all be taken away," Warner added.Â
Warner has not been in the best of forms for Delhi in IPL 2024. The Australian star has managed just 167 runs in 7 matches. He was dropped by the franchise, who have played young opener Jake-Fraser McGurk at the top of the order.Â
However, David Warner will be determined to return to peak form as he was named in Australia's squad for the T20 World Cup. Having retired from Tests and ODIs, Warner will be keen on finishing his international career on a high in the USA and the West Indies.
2024-05-06T13:42:13Z dg43tfdfdgfd