A disastrous season for the Sydney Thunder has gone from bad to worse after in-form captain David Warner was sidelined with a knee injury.
The former Australian opener has been a shining light in the Big Bash, scoring 323 runs in seven matches including a blistering century against the Hobart Hurricanes.
Warner also smacked 82 off 56 balls against the Brisbane Heat on Saturday night, but was unable to field for his side in the second innings.
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With the struggling Thunder out of finals contention and only two games left in their campaign, Warner was ruled out of Monday's clash against the Melbourne Renegades.
The 39-year-old was replaced in the XI by young gun Sam Konstas, who was axed for the previous game but will now regain his spot in the top-order.
His mentor, Shane Watson, believes the talented Konstas will be eager to prove a point.
"It was a big surprise from my perspective and a lot of people's perspective that he missed out on the last game," Watson said on Fox Cricket.
"He'll be very hungry to prove a point tonight."
Moises Henriques, who was a teammate of Konstas' last year for NSW, believes the 20-year-old will take being dropped as an opportunity to grow.
"It depends what people are motivated by," he said.
"I think sometimes when you're a young player, there's nothing wrong with getting dropped and going away to the level below and sorting out what you need to sort out.
"Whether it's Big Bash or with his club team, he's gonna go into every single game of cricket trying his best and trying to learn and get better. He's a student of the game, he's got a great attitude and he will be hungry for some runs.
"He would be leaning all over Warner – not just in this format of T20 cricket.
"David Warner opened the batting in Test cricket for the best part of 15 years and that's what Sam wants to do for the next 10 or 15 years. I have no doubt he will be David's shadow for however long they are playing at the same franchise together."
Konstas has struggled for the Thunder throughout the BBL|15 tournament, which has seen the side only win one game and falling well behind the finals race.
Watson admitted there have been glaring issues all season.
"It just hasn't been their time," the former Thunder captain said.
"Their batting hasn't been anywhere near powerful or consistent enough, especially their middle-order, they haven't been able to stand up.
"Bowling-wise, they have been very expensive in the powerplay without taking wickets, which is never a great recipe."
At this stage, it's not clear whether Warner will be fit for Friday night's Sydney derby against the Sixers at the SCG.
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