Shane Watson was dubbed the "next big thing" when made his international debut in 2002. He had a difficult year in 2007, with frequent injuries casting a shadow over his international future.
Then came the Indian Premier League in 2008, and for 44 days, Watson worked with his 'mentor', the late great Shane Warne, who according to Watson, was an incredible leader who knew how to assess and bring out the best version of a player.
The world of cricket was completed shocked by the passing away of the legendary spinner on March 4 while vacationing in Thailand. He was still working with the Rajasthan Royals as their mentor.
Watson ended up as the 2008 IPL tournament's fourth-highest run-getter as he scored 472 runs in 15 innings at a rate of 47 runs per innings, and he was also the fourth-highest wicket-taker, with 17 wickets.
This all-around performance played a monumental role in taking the cheapest franchise to the finals of the inaugural IPL. He was named the first-ever 'Most Valuable Player' (MVP) in the IPL. His performance for RR in IPL 2008, helped him come back into the Australian team as well.
The all-rounder paid a touching tribute to his mentor, “It’s just hard to comprehend that he is not here with us anymore," Watson told ICC on Wednesday.
“I was very fortunate — like Ricky Ponting was for me — Shane Warne was the same (type of) mentor for me. At the age of 20, when I came into the Aussie team, the way he took me under his wing and just cared for me was exceptional. At Hampshire 2004 and 2005, I continued to evolve my cricket because of Warnie.”
Shane Warne given an emotional farewell at the MCG; stand named after him unveiled
“I was in Australian cricket’s scrap heap in 2008 because of the injuries I had, and Warnie always believed in me. He is the reason why I went to Rajasthan Royals," the all-rounder added.
Shane Watson also stated that the Australian legend believed in every member of his team and that his positive attitude contributed to the Rajasthan Royals winning the IPL title in 2008.
He said, “To be able to have him as captain and coach me for those four years at Rajasthan Royals turned me from a cricketer who had a bit of belief in myself into one to believing I was Superman,"
“And the skill that Warnie had — 2008 IPL, bringing in a whole new group of players together. He was captain-coach, so he was absolutely running the show. His ability to see the best parts of people and bring them together really quickly, that’s the reason why Rajasthan Royals did so well and won."
The newly appointed Delhi Capitals assistant coach recounted a few memorable conversations he had with the legendary leg-spinner.
He said,“I’ve had a lot of conversations with Warnie around life and cricket. He always talked about how to take the aggressive option, how to take the positive option in any situation. He turned my bowling around. His mindset was always about getting a wicket. My mindset playing under him at Rajasthan Royals shifted. That’s why he was so ridiculously good because he always understood how to be able to try and get a wicket.
“His advice around all different parts of life. He was someone who was always willing to just help out in any way. My first commentary gig was the T20 World Cup last year. He was one person who reached out to provide some great words of support, encouragement, and advice because that’s just what he did for his mates."
(IANS inputs)
