RCB captain Kohli showers praises on veteran all-rounder Watson
ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE middle-order batsman Shane Watson starred with the bat and ball but it wasn’t enough to save Bangalore from their first defeat of this IPL season. The Aussie all-rounder finished the match knocking 33 runs off 19 balls and also had an impressive bowling spell of 25-2 in four overs.
Besides bat and ball, the Aussie veteran also played a key part in the Royal Challengers only other dismissal, catching Shreyas Iyer by throwing the ball back in the air for David Wiese before jumping over the rope. The duo received a huge applause for the presence of mind involved in this outstanding catch.
MUST WATCH - @ShaneRWatson33 - @David_Wiese relay catch #RCBvDD #VIVOIPL @RCBTweetshttps://t.co/fhGWWHKseA
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 17, 2016
Skipper Kohli acknowledged that Watson’s inclusion in the squad had brought more firepower to the batting order. He also appreciated the Aussie all-rounder’s bowling ability. The Aussie was acquired by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 9.5 Crore in the IPL auction held in February, early this year. As reported by cricbuzz, Kohli said,
"What we did really well in this auction was that we bought Watson. If you see the whole season he has been one of the most economical bowlers in T20 cricket because he can think like a batsman, that's why he always has an upper hand with the ball in hand. He has got all the variations, he can bowl in the death."
But there is something more that the Aussie possesses than just good batting and bowling. Even though this is his first season with the Bangalore side, he is seen at ease with surroundings. He confidently walks into the press conference with a wide smile, greets the spectators while fielding near the boundary, chats with the ball boys during breaks.
In yesterday's match, he was seen applauding De Kock for his magnificent innings after getting his wicket.
Play Hard, Play Fair - Spirit of Cricket at #IPL - @ShaneRWatson33 @QuinnyDeKock69https://t.co/8oDvTcHlZ2
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 17, 2016
There is no surprise why Watson has become an instant fan favourite for the Bangalore crowd. The middle-order batsman on Sunday also expressed his delight in settling in the Royal Challengers Bangalore team, who has an extremely loyal fan base.
"For Rajasthan in the last 2-3 years, we didn't have a home ground. We never played in Jaipur. We had a lot of success there and the thing that really stood out to me was driving to the ground made me realise the incredible support that RCB have. It's nice to play in such a ground, the support that the franchise gets, the calibre of player as well. So it's a privilege to be involved with. Very thrilled to be here at RCB. It's a huge privilege. The quality that RCB have, to play in such a beautiful stadium in Bangalore, so I feel very privileged to be able to play for this franchise."
