Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson revealed that legendary spinner Shane Warne had a massive role to play in getting him at Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Watson feels Warne, who passed away earlier this month, had a huge role in his development as an all-rounder.

Recalling that time, Shane Watson revealed he was struggling with fitness issues. However, Warne decided to help Watson realize his potential and took him to the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL in 2008.

Speaking on ‘The Grade Cricketer’ podcast, Shane Watson said:

“In 2008, I was really in the Australian cricket’s scrap heap. I had been injured on and off for a couple of years and people started to get frustrated as I was. I wasn’t able to play the games as every time I started playing I used to get injured. Warnie said ‘I am getting you to Rajasthan. I want to look after you and help you get the best out of you.'”

“Warnie was the reason why we won that tournament” – Shane Watson

The 40-year-old all-rounder further asserted it was because of Shane Warne’s incredible ability to bring out of the best out of the players that guided Rajasthan Royals to the title.

Shane Watson said:

“He was the captain-coach of Rajasthan for four years that I played there. I knew it but not to the spot of depth to how much it meant to him. Being a captain, which he never got a big opportunity to captain Australia.”

“As a coach, he just knew how to get the best out of the individuals, not just me. Warnie was the reason why we won that tournament. His incredible ability to try and pull individuals and group together as soon as possible, that was the reason why we won,” he concluded.