Combination between Dhoni and Fleming was indeed special: Shane Watson

Shane Watson has been enjoying so much attention ever since he played the match-defining knock in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. Chennai Super Kings signed the Australian amidst scepticism as he hadn’t had a remarkable time in the tournament last time with Royal Challengers Bangalore but his form in the Big Bash League made CSK believe he was the man for the role.

The 36-year-old struck form very early in the tournament as he opened the batting for the returning franchise. But soon enough the hectic schedule started to catch up with his ageing body. Thereafter MS Dhoni had to really manage Watson, preserve him rather to ensure he lasted for the duration of the tournament. The skipper positioned him inside the circle while fielding and didn’t ask him to bowl, rested him for games that had less relevance and as a result, the all-rounder was able to produce a breathtaking knock in the match that mattered the most.

He scored an unbeaten 117 from just 57 balls having played 10 dot balls right at the start of the innings and was the Man of the Match in the big final. After the IPL, Watson is in Dubai as he signed up to be the icon player of the Karachians franchise in T10 League that will be played in December.

Talking about his new association Watson said: “It is amazing that I am playing well at even this stage of my career and playing well that too for such a great franchise like the Chennai Super Kings. I am now going to play with the Karachians and it will be another experience to help me get to know more people and continue to develop my game,” he told Gulf News.

Have to make a lot of sacrifices

It takes a lot of commitment and dedication from a professional cricketer to stay fit and manage to have a long career like the Australian has had.

“There is lot of sacrifice you have to make in life from the point of view of your lifestyle and stay fit and committed. Though it is an individual’s desire to be successful. I want to give one more year and see how good I am and hence it will be nice to be also playing in Dubai in a different format which is shorter like the T10,” he further said.

Dhoni-Fleming make CSK special

Chennai made a comeback to the IPL after serving a two-year suspension. MS Dhoni was back leading the team and the fans were excited to see the Men in Yello back in action. The journey concluded in just the perfect fashion as they went on to lift the title, their third in the history of the tournament. Watto highlighted the Dhoni factor and also his partnership with coach Stephen Fleming that makes this team a special bunch.

“It was indeed special. For me to have a chance to play with Dhoni is definitely the highlight because after playing against him, to play with him and win a tournament was special. It was also a great feeling to be with Stephen Fleming, one of the finest players and coaches and the combination between Dhoni and Fleming was indeed special,” Watson said.

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