IPL 2018: Shane Warne appointed mentor of Rajasthan Royals

Former Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne has been appointed as the mentor of Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchise is also making their return to the tournament after serving the suspension of two years following its alleged involvement in the spot-fixing saga in 2013. Warne, while leading the team in its inaugural season, won the title for Royals famously. However, he will be expected to weave the same magic this time around albeit in a different role.

Recently, the Aussie legend himself had indicated that he will be making an announcement regarding the IPL soon on his official Twitter handle. He will join hands with Zubin Bharucha who is the Head of Cricketing Operations of the franchise. The association of both goes long way back to 2008 and once again have forged a solid combination to work wonders for the team.

According to the statement released by the franchise, Warne’s main role will be to work closely with the senior leaders in the team, especially the skipper and ensure all the strategies and tactics are covered. He will also be grooming the spinners in the side and help them develop the art of spin during the course of the tournament.

Warne delighted over Royal Return

Shane Warne led Royals for four seasons until 2011 during which he played 52 matches and scalped 56 wickets. He admitted that the Royals had always been close to his heart and is looking forward to the upcoming season. “I am very happy and excited to be back with the Rajasthan Royals who I believe hold a very special place in my cricketing journey. I am overwhelmed by the love and affection showered on me by the franchise and fans of Rajasthan Royals. We have a strong, young and energetic bunch of boys and I am looking forward to work with them,” he said according to the statement released by the franchise.

The co-owner of the franchise Manoj Badale was also delighted to have Warne back in the mix. “We welcome back Shane Warne as Rajasthan Royals mentor. He is a legend of the game and what he has achieved in Rajasthan Royals is unmatchable. Bringing back Shane Warne is also a way to giving back to our fans who have stood by us in trying times,” he said.

Manoj also welcomed back Zubin Bharucha and hoped that the team wins the title this year. “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. Zubin has also contributed immensely to the growth of the team and we are happy to have both back on board.  We are excited and looking forward to a successful comeback,” he added.

Zubin Bharucha was also thrilled to join Royals again and said, “We have always looked to groom talents at Rajasthan Royals and it will be no different this time.”

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