IPL 7: Shikhar Dhawan named captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad

India opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan has been named captain of Indian Premier League side Sunrisers Hyderabad for the 7th edition of the cash-rich Twenty20 event beginning on April 16. 

West Indian Darren Sammy will be the vice-captain of the side, Sunrisers Hyderabad said in a release. 

"Shikhar Dhawan with his significant contribution as a batsman in the previous season has retained his position in the team not just as a crucial opener in the batting order but as the appropriate choice to extend his captaincy role in Champions League to the upcoming IPL as well," the release said.

"Shikhar Dhawan with his reputation for a mesmerising stroke-maker, who mixes power and panache in equal measure, is sure to lead the pack with his team-building leadership streak," it said. Sammy, an integral part of the team last season, will now play the role of a deputy to Dhawan. 

"In top form as a right-handed batsman and a fast-medium bowler, Sammy's experience in the sport as an all-rounder, as West Indies captain of the ongoing T20 World cricket and his consecutive association with the franchise promises to lead the players as a team all the way up to the playoffs as in the previous season," Sunrisers Hyderabad said.