Waqar Younis’ favourite IPL team: Pakistan legend reveals which team he backs in Indian Premier League originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
-
Waqar Younis named Sunrisers Hyderabad as one of his favourite teams in the IPL.
-
The Pakistan legend worked as Sunrisers’ bowling coach during the 2013 season.
-
Younis recalled having lasting memories with the franchise during his time in India.
Advertisement
Legendary Pakistani fast bowler and ex-captain Waqar Younis says that Sunrisers Hyderabad is one of his most loved Indian Premier League (IPL) sides.
Younis made the revelation while speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, mentioning that he spent time with the Hyderabad-based team, apart from signing a deal with the Indian television network Sony to cover IPL.
“I was with Sunrisers (Hyderabad) in 2013 and I had a great experience. Then I also worked with one of the TV channels for IPL. I have great memories of IPL. Sunrisers was a good experience. I enjoyed my time with them. So, Sunrisers, of course, one of my favourites,” Younis said.
Advertisement
He highlighted his positive experiences when working with Sunrisers as he used to work with the fast bowlers of the team as part of their support staff during the IPL 2013 season.
MORE:Which are the most valued IPL franchises?
Younis was hired by Sunrisers Hyderabad as their bowling coach prior to the 2013 season of IPL, after the formation of the franchise, replacing Deccan Chargers.
Younis had a lot of international experience as a bowler, and he had picked up 373 wickets in Test cricket as well as 416 wickets in ODI cricket throughout his career.
Advertisement
He coached the pace bowlers of Sunrisers, which included South Africa’s Dale Steyn and India’s Ishant Sharma. His knowledge of swinging the ball both ways made him an asset for the team.
Sunrisers enjoyed a great debut season as they qualified for playoffs in 2013 but were defeated by Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator match.
MORE:IPL valuation revealed: Indian Premier League valued more than MLB
Younis’ views demonstrate that good experiences can result in creating strong bonds between the former cricketer and the IPL team he played for. The stint at Sunrisers in 2013 enabled Younis to impart his experience as a fast bowler among other bowlers such as Steyn and Ishant.
Advertisement
Although Younis’ statements do not indicate that he favours Sunrisers above any other IPL team, one thing is clear – the franchise occupies a special place in Younis’ memories. From Sunrisers fans’ perspective, being included on the list of teams favoured by the legendary Pakistan cricketer adds value to their franchise.
For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary, and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages.
