Hyderabad, March 24 (IANS): India opener Shikhar Dhawan will captain Sunrisers Hyderabad in the seventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) which starts April 16. West Indian all-rounder Darren Sammy will be the vice-captain, the franchise announced Monday.

"We wish both the talented players the very best in their new role as captain and vice-captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in steering this season with their combined leadership qualities and team-driven approach to a winning cause," Sunrisers Hyderabad said in a media statement.

Dhawan, who captained the side in the Champions League T20 competition last year, was one of the players the Hyderabad franchise retained in this year's auction.

The left-hander grabbed all the headlines on his Test debut against Australia in Mohali. Dhawan smashed 187 runs off 174 balls in his first Test innings helping India win the third Test by six wickets.

Sammy too was an integral part of Hyderabad's success last season contributing with both the bat and the ball.