Aaron Finch expects David Warner to play IPL next year

Veteran Australia batter David Warner is arguably one of the greatest ever players to feature in the Indian Premier League. He holds multiple records to his name and won the trophy as captain in 2016. However, the last few years haven’t been as pleasant for him. In 2023, under his leadership, Delhi Capitals failed to qualify for the playoffs while in 2024, Warner failed to make the most of the opportunities and was eventually dropped from the playing XI.

Despite that, former cricketer Aaron Finch expects Warner to feature in the IPL next year. He believes that franchises would like to have an experienced player like him, who can not just contribute with the bat but can also groom youngsters. 

Also Read - Aakash Chopra on consequences of Delhi Capitals defeating Lucknow Super Giants

“A big auction is coming up next time (this year-end). I think there would be a team that would love to have his (Warner's) experience, be it in playing eleven, or as a replacement or as someone to nurture younger talent. I would not say it is his last IPL game, but he has had a poor season,” Finch told ESPNCricinfo.

Warner’s former teammate Michael Clarke added that the southpaw may not fetch a lot of money like he used to as he is not performing at his best but expects the franchises to understand the value Warner brings.

“He could get picked up at the auction, he just might not get the money he is used to. He is at that stage of his career when he is not performing at his absolute best and you cannot expect the same money. I would not be surprised if he is not picked up,” Clarke said.

Notably, the 37-year-old has played eight matches in the ongoing IPL and has made 168 runs at a strike rate of 134.40. He suffered a finger injury, which kept the opener out for some time but even when he got fit, Warner couldn’t fix his place in the playing XI as his fellow countrymen Jake Fraser-McGurk was Delhi’s first choice.