Tom Moody on David Warner: 'He has come back with a lot to prove'

It's like he was never gone. The most consistent batsman of the IPL, David Warner, has returned to the tournament after serving his one-year ban for his role in the ball-tampering scandal like a man possessed. His first three innings back have been 85, 69 and an unbeaten 100 at an average strike rate of 176.22. In the process he has also strung together three consecutive 100-run stands with bitter Ashes rival Jonny Bairstow. His extremely emotional reaction after reaching the hundred against Royal Challengers Bangalore, in front of a doting home crowd, said a lot.

Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody expected nothing less, especially when Warner had a point to prove. "[He has been] in a very good place [mentally]," Moody said. "He has come back full of enthusiasm, full of determination, and with a lot to prove. One thing David Warner - and I think all top players are the same - they have got an unquenchable thirst for the game and to have success in the game. That thirst certainly hasn't been withdrawn by any means."

It seems the thirst has only grown in the time Warner has spent outside competitive cricket. "Yes he has had to sit out of top-flight cricket, international cricket for 12 months," Moody said, "but David Warner has been preparing for six months for his comeback. He has played a couple of franchise tournaments over that 12-month period, he has obviously played club cricket in Sydney as well.

"Okay it is not the same standard but he has been preparing more mentally more than technically. His game technically is relatively sound, so it is just a case of getting himself sorted mentally. He welcomed the start of the tournament and [a chance] for him to get back on the horse so to speak."

Moody said Warner has managed to stay positive, as always. "He has always had a very positive mindset," he said. "He is a very determined and a resilient individual. To endure what he and [Steven] Smith and [Cameron] Bancroft have had to endure over 12 months, there has to be a lot of mental toughness, there has to be a lot of resilience, and having also a very positive mindset because you can very easily find yourself down for long periods of time."

Warner's presence has also helped Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who is leading the side in the absence of the injured Kane Williamson. "His leadership is always there and present," Moody said. "Someone that has his experience and his knowledge around captaincy but more importantly around playing IPL cricket is invaluable."

Smith, Warner and Bancroft were banned - the first two for a year and Bancroft for nine months - for their roles in the infamous Newlands Test in March 2018, when Bancroft was caught on camera hiding yellow sandpaper in his pants. Though the ICC's penalties were not harsh, Cricket Australia decided to take strict action and the players accepted their punishment without protest.

While Smith and Bancroft have since done interviews - Smith has done an advertisement too - Warner has stayed away from public appearances. It appears he has spent the time preparing for his return.