Sunrisers skipper David Warner caused a stir with his absence at the IPL opening ceremony but has confirmed he's en route to India
Warner on way after skipping IPL opener
The Indian Premier League action doesn't start until late tonight Australian time, but World Cup winning batsman David Warner has already caused a stir in India.
Warner was a notable absentee from the eighth edition of the tournament's opening ceremony in Kolkata overnight Tuesday.
Warner, who was married last weekend to former ironwoman partner Candice Falzon, is this year captain of the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise.
His absence prompted a raft of speculation on social media before the franchise confirmed he would be present to lead the team in their IPL8 opener.
The Sunrisers' first game is on Saturday, against Mike Hussey and MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings. He departed Australia for India today but his acclimatisation to India will be brief before being called into action.
Warner was missing from the group of captains involved in a 'spirit of cricket' ceremonial bat signing at the opening ceremony held at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
The batsman today apologised for missing the ceremony and confirmed he was on his way to India.
Sorry I could not be @IPL opening ceremony, I'm on my way today. Very excited to be with my team mates @SunRisers
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) April 8, 2015
Warner's new wife confirmed she and their baby daughter were also travelling to India for the start of the tournament.
See you later Sydney and see you soon India!! #IPL2015 here we come. @SunRisers your captain is coming. @davidwarner31
— Candice Warner (@CandyFalzon) April 8, 2015
The Warners are not the only Australian couple honeymooning in India after a wedding between cricket matches.
Australia Test squad member and Kings XI batsman Shaun Marsh and his new wife Rebecca have also arrived in India after getting married last week.
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Shikhar Dhawan stood in for Warner, alongside other Australian skippers George Bailey (Kings XI Punjab), Shane Watson (Rajasthan Royals).
Also on stage were Gautam Gambhir (Kolkata Knight Riders), Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians), MS Dhoni (Chennai), Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore) and JP Duminy (Delhi Daredevils).
The opening ceremony had been delayed about 90 minutes because of unexpected thundershowers in the city. It featured a raft of performance. Hosted by Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, the son of former India Test captain Mansoor Ali Khan, it featured a raft of performances from local celebrities, including Kohli's actress girlfriend Anushka Sharma.