David Warner might no longer wear the Sunrisers Hyderabad colours, and his departure from the franchise back in the day carried plenty of drama, but his emotional link to the team remains unmistakably strong. That connection showed up again through a recent Instagram story, where the Australian opener backed the Pat Cummins-led side to win the IPL 2026 trophy after they secured a spot in the playoffs.
Warner’s SRH bond and the backdrop to his exit
Warner’s final chapter with SRH during the 2021 season is still remembered as one of the most talked-about breakups in IPL history. After the franchise suffered five losses in their first six matches, SRH removed him from the captaincy, left him out of the playing XI, and later even unfollowed him on social media—an abrupt ending to a partnership that had delivered plenty of success for the franchise.
Despite that fallout, Warner has continued to show appreciation for SRH supporters. Over time, he has spoken repeatedly about the gratitude he feels towards the fans and the affection and backing he received during his time in orange.
Warner’s IPL 2026 predictions for SRH
In his story, Warner didn’t just talk about support—he laid out a clear blueprint for how SRH could build a winning run. He backed the team to go all the way, while also sharing specific expectations for key performers across the batting and bowling departments.
- Warner’s scenario for an IPL title run: one of the openers goes big, with Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen finishing the innings to set a substantial total.
- He also predicted that skipper Pat Cummins would make the decisive impact with the ball, aiming for a haul of three wickets in the final.
- Warner further tipped Virat Kohli to score a century during the playoffs, reflecting that RCB are currently leading the points table.
Warner’s Instagram story message read: “My tip to win the IPL if one of the openers go big and IK and klass to finish off for a big total. PC to get 3/30 in finals,” along with his additional prediction about Kohli’s playoff century.
RCB vs SRH: the race for a top-two finish
Warner’s backing comes as SRH prepare for a significant showdown in the final league match of the season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad will go head-to-head on Friday, with both teams chasing a crucial top-two finish.
Points and net run rate situation
- RCB currently sit first in the standings with 18 points and the tournament’s best net run rate at 1.065.
- A win for Bengaluru would secure top spot for them and also give the franchise two routes to qualify for the final.
- SRH are placed third with 16 points from 13 games, level with Gujarat Titans on points but marginally behind on net run rate.
- SRH’s net run rate currently stands at 0.350, while Gujarat’s is 0.400, meaning Hyderabad would need a strong result against RCB to boost their prospects of breaking into the top two before the playoffs.
