Dubai: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Aussie all-rounder Shane Watson announced his retirement from franchise cricket after CSK won their last match against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by nine wickets at Abu Dhabi on Sunday (November 1). He told his CSK mates that he would ‘retire from all forms of cricket.’
However, earlier in 2018 when CSK bought the Australian opener Watson from the 2018 auctions, he had already brought down curtains from international cricket. He played a major role with his record of century in the 2018 final that helped CSK win the title for the third time.
“Watson was very emotional when he told the CSK dressing room after the last game that he would retire. He said that it was a great privilege for him to play for the franchise,” a source was quoted as saying to TOI.
This closing chapter is going to be so hard to top, but I am going to try.
I truly am forever grateful to have lived this amazing dream.
Now onto the next exciting one…#thankyou https://t.co/Og8aiBcWpE— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) November 3, 2020
Before CSK, Watson had also turned out for Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and had played a immense role in winning RR the first trophy in 2008.
The 39-year-old Aussie has played 59 Tests, 190 ODIs and 58 T20s at the international level, and has played sum total of 145 IPL games, of which 43 matches were for MS Dhoni-led CSK.
Though, he had an indifferent 2020 season, Watson still played a couple of key knocks with an 83 not out against KXIP in the first leg. Apart from his century in 2018 final, Watson’s excellent show in the 2019 final was also a grand effort when CSK fell one run short.
Thank you Watto Man, for everything. May your next chapter open with a bang, as always. Farewell beloved. 🦁💛 #ThankYouWattoMan #WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/lksEyODg19
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 3, 2020
In 2018, Watson’s tenure in IPL got a huge boost when Dhoni showed a lot of trust and faith in him and picked him from the auctions despite a couple of indifferent seasons for RCB.
“He has always done very well against us, and Dhoni knows how important a player he could be if he is used properly at the top of the order,” a CSK official had said. Dhoni did exactly that in the next three seasons and now Watson leaves the field with his head held high.
