Shane Watson will captain the Royal Challengers Bangalore when they face the David Warner led Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first match of the Indian Premier League on Wednesday (Thursday AEST).
Former Australian Test vice-captain Watson steps in with Bangalore's first-choice captain Virat Kohli, the India skipper, ruled out of early stages of the tournament due to a right shoulder injury, and stand-in skipper A.B. de Villiers rested because of a back injury.
Coach Daniel Vettori said that De Villiers still has some "minor discomfort" but hopes the South African will play in Bangalore's second match of the tournament against the Delhi Daredevils on the weekend.
The Sunrisers, captained by Australia Test opener Warner and coached by countryman Tom Moody, are the defending champions and have no injury concerns.
However, they will be without the services of key fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman - who will miss at least two IPL matches due to Bangladesh's one-day series against Sri Lanka.
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