Rajasthan Royals (RR), under the inspirational leadership of the late Shane Warne, defied all odds to become the champions of the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) back in 2008.
Rajasthan Royals defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2008 final to claim their first-ever and so far, only IPL title. RR’s memorable IPL title victory under the late Warne is well etched in many fans’ memories and there is even a documentary on it.
In a Sports Yaari documentary, many cricketers who were part of RR’s maiden IPL title win remembered their experience of playing under the late Warne and their memories from both on and off-the-field.
Meanwhile, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal, who was part of the RR team in 2008, revealed how the then captain, Warne, had a unique way of punishing the latecomers to practice sessions and how Ravindra Jadeja and Yusuf Pathan once got the punishment.
Akmal recalled in a Sports Yaari documentary: “Yusuf Pathan and Ravindra Jadeja were a little late for practice. So, at that time, Warne didn't say anything. Even I was late but I had joined the side a little late, so he didn't do anything to me.”
He added, “So, we were done with practice and we left the stadium. When we were returning, he asked the driver to stop the bus. Then he turned towards the two and said 'You guys come on foot'.”
Meanwhile, the former fast bowler, Siddarth Trivedi, who represented RR between 2008 and 2013, also recalled the same incident, featuring Yusuf and Jadeja, as well as revealed that Warne used to keep a doll named "Pinky" for latecomers to the team meetings.
Trivedi recalled, “Yusuf and Jadeja had to deboard the bus when the hotel was still around 1-2 km away. Another punishment was that whoever was late to the team meetings had to carry this doll named 'Pinky' for 24 hours! The player had to carry the doll everywhere; in the team meetings, meet-and-greet with sponsors, everywhere!”
