IPL 2020: Shane Watson informs CSK teammates he is retiring from all forms of cricket

IPL 2020: Shane Watson informs CSK teammates he is retiring from all forms of cricket

Shane Watson

Shane Watson

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Shane Watson has reportedly announced his retirement from all forms of cricket to his teammates at CSK following their final IPL league match against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) yesterday. The 39-year-old Australian is among the greatest players in IPL history having delivered excellent performances over the course of the tournament’s 13-year history by turning up for three franchises: Rajasthan Royals (RR) whom he also captained, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and finally CSK.

Watson is a two-time IPL winner, once for RR in 2008 and again in 2018 for CSK. He scored a match-winning century in the 2018 IPL final against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Pune with a masterclass in attacking batting. He also came agonizingly close to leading his side to a second successive title in 2019 but CSK fell short by 1 run. This year was a year of struggle for him as he was woefully out of form. However, he did notch up a Man of the Match performance in CSK’s 10-wicket win over KXIP in the first half of the tournament.

Emotional Watson announces retirement

Shane-Watson-CSK-IPL-Chennai-Super-Kings-

Reports have emerged that Shane Watson has announced his decision to retire from all forms of cricket to his CSK teammates following their last league fixture. A Times of India report stated that a source had said, “Watson was very emotional when he told the CSK dressing room after the last game that he would retire. He said that it was a great privilege for him to play for the franchise.”

Earlier, when there was criticism on Watson’s form, a CSK official had stated, “He has always done very well against us, and Dhoni knows how important a player he could be if he is used properly at the top of the order.” In the same vein, it won’t be a surprise if Watson finds himself inducted into the coaching staff of CSK from the next year onwards.

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