IPL 2018: "MS Dhoni was convinced to buy Shane Watson," says CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanath

Chennai Super Kings got Watson for Rs 4 crore, four times more than his base price in the auction.

Shane Watson, former Australia cricketer will play for Chennai Super Kings. | GETTY

About four weeks are left for the 11th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to start. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are making a comeback to the cash-rich league after serving a 2-year ban. 

CSK bought Shane Watson for Rs 4 crore in the IPL auction 2018. The former Aussie cricketer had a good Big Bash League 2017-18 and he has also performed well in the current ongoing PSL season. 

Speaking to Times of India Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Vishwanath revealed how MS Dhoni was convinced to go for Watson in the auction.

"We knew his potential as an allrounder. Anyone can have a bad season. We discussed with our captain MS Dhoni about the prospects of having Watson in the team and Dhoni was happy. We felt Watson still has a lot to offer," said  Vishwanath.

He also added: "When we found out that he is fit and doing well in Big Bash League, we backed him. He has been terrific in the ongoing PSL as well. We are pleased with the way he has been shaping up.

"Watson fits into the type of allrounders we have had in the past. Watson is a floater with the bat. He can preferably open but move around the order too. It was a conscious effort to have such a cricketer in the mix."

CSK had retained skipper Dhoni along with all-rounders Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja, the integral members of the franchise.

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 12 Mar, 2018

    Share Via