The Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has been enjoying a lot of attention after his match-defining knock in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bought him amidst skepticism as he hadn’t had a remarkable time in the tournament last time with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) but his form in the Big Bash League made CSK believe he was the man for the role.
CSK skipper MS Dhoni had to really manage Watson, preserve him rather to ensure he lasted for the duration of the tournament. MS asked him to field inside the circle and didn’t ask him to bowl, rested him for games that had less relevance and as a result, the all-rounder was able to produce a memorable knock in the match that mattered the most.
Watson smashed 117* from just 57 balls having played 10 dot balls right at the start of the innings and was the Man of the Match in the big final. After the IPL, Watson was signed as the icon player of the Karachians franchise in T10 League in Dubai and that will be played in December.
ALSO READ:
Talking about his new association with Gulf News, Watson said: “It is amazing that I am playing well at even this stage of my career and playing well that too for such a great franchise like the Chennai Super Kings. I am now going to play with the Karachians and it will be another experience to help me get to know more people and continue to develop my game.”
He further elaborated, “There is a lot of sacrifices you have to make in life from the point of view of your lifestyle and stay fit and committed. Though it is an individual’s desire to be successful. I want to give one more year and see how good I am and hence it will be nice to be also playing in Dubai in a different format which is shorter like the T10.”
CSK made a strong comeback to the IPL after serving a two-year suspension. Talking about Dhoni Watto highlighted the Dhoni factor and also his partnership with coach Stephen Fleming that makes this team a special bunch.
The all-rounder said, “It was indeed special. For me to have a chance to play with Dhoni is definitely the highlight because after playing against him, to play with him and win a tournament was special. It was also a great feeling to be with Stephen Fleming, one of the finest players and coaches and the combination between Dhoni and Fleming was indeed special.”
