Delhi Capitals (DC) on Tuesday appointed former Australia international Shane Watson as their new assistant coach for the upcoming season of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022.
The 40-year-old will join the likes of Ricky Ponting (head coach), Pravin Amre (assistant coach), Ajit Agarkar (assistant coach) and James Hopes (bowling coach) in DC’s coaching staff.
“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,” Watson said in a statement issued by the Capitals.
“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,” stated Watson on his appointment.
“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,” he added.
Watson has varied experience as a player in franchise cricket, having won the titles in IPL, BBL and PSL. An MVP during Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) title triumph in the inaugural IPL edition in 2008, Watson played his last game IPL for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
In CSK’s victorious 2018 season, he scored 555 runs – the second most for his team – in 15 innings. At the grand finale, Watson smashed a match-winning century against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). For 2016–2017, he was also a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
