Australian cricket legend, Shane Warne, has revealed his inclusion in the Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals as the team mentor for the tournament’s 11th edition. The former leg-spinner, who captained the Royals to IPL triumph in their inaugural season in 2008 revealed, “Very excited to be joining the @rajasthanroyals in this years #IPL as team mentor!”
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The former Australian skipper posted a video on social networking platform Instagram, announcing his appointment. “Hello guys. Got a huge announcement that I promised. And that is that I will be joining Rajasthan Royals of the IPL in the season 2018 as a team mentor. I am very thankful for the opportunity that I have been given by the Royals. I am really looking forward to it. I have been involved with the Royals. I have so many memories, especially from 2008, when we won the inaugural year. The fans in India have always supported me throughout my career but they really got behind us in 2008 with the Rajasthan Royals,” spoke Warne, who picked up 1001 international wickets in his career.
The 48-year-old added, “As I said, great memories! The guys have done a wonderful job putting the squad together which has talented Indian players, international players and young players. It really is a wonderful squad and I think it can achieve some special things in 2018.”
“So once again I am delighted to announce that I am team mentor for Rajasthan Royals. Thank you again for the opportunity and thank you for the support. I can’t wait to get there and remember the words ‘Halla Bol’!” Warnie concluded.
Shane Warne was an integral part of Rajasthan Royals’ winning squad in the first ever IPL season, and has picked up 57 wickets in 55 games in the IPL for the Royals.
The leg-spinner will be joined by another old team member of Royals, with Zubin Bharucha making a comeback into the Rajasthan think-tank.
Warne and Bharucha formed a solid partnership in the franchises’ think tank, and are looking forward to working together again.
Rajasthan Royal’s co-owner, Manoj Badale was also excited at the return of the Australian legend.
“He is a legend of the game and what he has achieved in Rajasthan Royals is unmatchable, said Badale. Bringing back Shane Warne is also a way of giving back to our fans who have stood by us in trying times. As we are looking to build a strong team that can be in contention for the title, we believe Warne is the right person to mentor the Rajasthan Royals.”
Unlike their previously thrifty approach in the IPL auctions, the Royals spent a lot of money in the recent auction, bagging English all-rounder Ben Stokes and Indian seamer Jaydev Unadkat for a combined 24 crore.
WATCH WARNE’s VIDEO HERE :
