Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has been roped in as the assistant coach for the Delhi Capitals franchise ahead of the upcoming 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League, which is all set to kickstart from March 26th. The news was confirmed by the Australian legend himself, who will be joining his former Australia captain and current DC head coach Ricky Ponting.
Apart from Shane Watson (Assistant Coach), Ricky Ponting (Head Coach), the coaching staff of Delhi Capitals includes Pravin Amre (Assistant Coach), Ajit Agarkar (Assistant Coach), and James Hopes (Bowling Coach).
Watson took to his social media and shared a video message to confirm the news. In the video, Watson expressed his excitement to work with Ricky Ponting and believes that Delhi can win the title this time around. He said:
“The IPL, the best T20 tournament in the world. I’ve got incredible memories as a player, first of all with Rajasthan Royals winning it in 2008, led by the incredible man Shane Warne, RCB and then CSK.”
“I’ve got incredible memories as a player, and now coaching opportunities. It’s come to be able to work under the great Ricky Ponting. He was an amazing leader as a captain, and now to be able to coach under him. He is one of the best coaches in the world now. So, for me to be able to learn the ropes under Ricky, I am really excited,”
“With Delhi Capitals, they got great squad, now is the time to win their first title. I am super pumped to get over there, work with the boys, help them out as much as I can and hopefully, we can win the first title. Can’t wait to get over there,”
Here, watch the video:
Winner of the inaugural IPL in 2008
Winner of the 2018 IPL and Player of the Final
Join us in giving @ShaneRWatson33 a hearty welcome ?#YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/EkCRcJpU4S
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 15, 2022
Winner of the 2018 IPL and Player of the Final Shane Watson is regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in IPL history. In his IPL career, he scored 3,874 runs at an average of 30.99 and also picked 92 wickets. He also has four centuries (including one in IPL 2018 final) and 21 half-centuries in his IPL career.
He won IPL 2008 with Rajasthan Royals and IPL 2018 with Chennai Super Kings. He played a crucial role in both the campaigns for his respective teams.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals will open their campaign on March 27 against the Mumbai Indians at the Brabourne Stadium. The franchise is placed in Group A alongside Mumbai Indians (MI), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
