Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson was recently chosen as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) by the panel of experts on Star Sports’ new show ‘Cricket Connected’ under the category of the best all-rounder in Indian Premier League’s 12-year history. He outstripped the likes of Andre Russell, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, and Kieron Pollard.
On Wednesday, the former Aussie participated in a podcast where he revealed the names of those captains who were successful in bringing the best out of him. While speaking with journalist Sam Ferris on The Unplayable Podcast, Watson picked Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne as the best captains he has played under.
For Ponting, Watson recalled a memory when he was ready to play the 2003 ODI World Cup but was unfit and had to miss out. Then four years later, he was a part of the team and witnessed the moment when Australia won the tournament.
Watson said that Ponting showed confidence in him more than the Queensland cricketer had in himself.
“The support that I got all the way along, especially from Ricky Ponting in particular. He believed in me more than I believed on myself,” said Watto.
“I remember walking around the ground after we had won. I’m with the trophy and just him saying how happy he was that I was here with him after knowing that I missed the previous one.” added the Australian.
The Ipswich-born added that Ponting had the ability to bring the best out of any player. When it comes to Warne, Watson reckoned that he was an outstanding captain. The 38-year-old stated that Warne’s management skills were just incredible.
“I played under Shane Warne for Rajasthan Royals for four years. He was a phenomenal captain; there is no question. Tactically, on and off the field and from the management point of view, he was incredible.” said Watson on his stint under Warne.
In the end, Watson rated both Ponting and Warne as his favourite captains and regarded them as the most significant players he has played with.
“For me, Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne were my favourite captains. Both of them were very special. They had incredible man-management skills, and tactically they were very good as well. Both were the greatest players that I’ve played with,” concluded Watson.
