Australia veteran and form Rajasthan Royals skipper, Shane Warne, who won the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Jaipur-based franchise, has been roped in as the brand ambassador and the mentor for the team on his 51st birthday.
The legendary leg-spinner Warne has been assigned a dual role – in a bid to inspire the team for their second IPL title in the impending edition under the tutelage of the formidable batsman, Steven Smith.
In a press release from Royals, Warne has expressed delight in returning to the franchise which he had termed his ‘family’ for IPL memories. He is expecting to do a lot in a bid to help his former franchise during the IPL campaign.
“On my dual role, it’s always a great feeling to be back with Royals, my team, my family. It’s exciting to be working across all elements of this franchise that I love,” Warne said in a release.
Warne, who himself featured in 55 IPL matches, had bagged 57 wickets at an average of 25.38. He has bagged a four-wicket haul with his best figures reading as four for 21.
Hopefully, we can have a successful season: Shane Warne
The prominent cricketer Warne further sets his focus on making Royal a global brand and in terms of gaining fanbase for the franchise.
“We have worked towards our vision of becoming a global team that fans around the world love and follow,” Shane Warne stated.
Given to the wealth of experience Shane Warne has, it will also help Royals’ chief coach Andrew McDonald, who was star spinner’s teammate at Victoria.
Warne further expects to have a good season with Royals and is also keen to work with the head of cricket Zubin Bharucha for Royals.
“This season I am looking forward to working as a Team Mentor and joining up with an excellent backroom staff in Zubin Bharucha and Andrew McDonald. Hopefully, we can have a successful season and achieve big things in the coming months,” Warne further said.
Shane Warne is one of the all-time greats of the game: McCrum
Meanwhile, Royals COO Jake Lush McCrum has expressed happiness on having Warne on board to help their vision to achieve what they’re up for. While lauding Warne, McCrum believes former’s appointment will bring in a lot of positives within the squad and they are looking forward to yielding desired results.
“He is one of the all-time greats of the game and is very special to us here at Rajasthan Royals. Shane is someone who exemplifies our vision of driving innovation and we’re delighted to have him with us supporting both the growth of our franchise globally, while also motivating our players for success on the field,” McCrum said on Warne’s inclusion for two roles at Royals.
In their first match, Rajasthan will take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on September 22 in Sharjah.
