Brett Lee, Graeme Swann Hail MS Dhoni And CSK Management For Backing Shane Watson
Oct 5, 2020 at 12:21 PM
Shane Watson returned to form as he hit a match-winning 83 unbeaten against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). Shane Watson had a string of low scores and was looking out of touch at IPL 2020 before this innings. Graeme Swann said not just skipper MS Dhoni but the entire Chennai Super Kings team management must be credited for Shane Watson’s return to form in their 10-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab on Sunday in Dubai.
Former Australian pacer Brett Lee heaped rich praise on skipper MS Dhoni, saying the Chennai Super Kings captain believes in his teammates and commits to the playing XI, more often than not in the Indian Premier League.
Brett Lee’s comment came after Shane Watson returned to form. Shane Watson received MOM but scored 4 runs less than Faf Du Plessis who played the same number of balls.
Shane Watson Dominated Opportunity Provided By MS Dhoni: Brett Lee
Even after a 6-day break, CSK were unable to finalize their squad in order as they were handed their 3rd successive defeat of the season by Sunrisers Hyderabad in Dubai on Friday after defeats to Rajasthan and Delhi. When more changes were expected, MS Dhoni retained the same playing XI from Friday for their crunch game against KXIP, which raised quite a few eyebrows.
In the end, CSK chased down a 179-run target with 14 balls to spare. More importantly, CSK did not lose a wicket as both Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis scored unbeaten fifties to put on 181 for the opening stand which is the highest partnership for the 3-time champions in the history of the competition.
“The great thing about MS Dhoni is he believes his players, commits to the XI that are there. He also backs the 13-14 that are there if there’s an injury. It’s the XI he believes in, commits to the team. They played so well and as they say, the lions will sleep pretty well tonight” Brett Lee told Star Sports on Sunday.
Brett Lee shed light on how his former Australian teammate changed his batting approach, trying to hit in the V instead of going for cross-batted shots early in his innings. Shane Watson now has 135 runs from 5 matches averaging 33.75.
“Hats off to MSD for providing Watson with that opportunity and back his teammate. Watto came out and totally dominated it. The way he went down the line and didn’t go across the line the last few games he went across the line. When he is on form, he can do it but Shane Watson, tonight, was on fire,” Lee said.
Shane Watson needed just 53 balls for an unbeaten 83 as he hit 11 boundaries and 3 sixes. Faf Du Plessis finished with an unbeaten 87 from the same number of balls with 11 fours and a six.
Shane Watson Was Backed By CSK Team Management: Graeme Swann
Meanwhile, former England off-spinner Graeme Swann said that the entire team management of CSK should be credited for showing faith in all-rounder Shane Watson.
“It (backing) is not just from the captain, even though it’s MS Dhoni who is a huge figure. But it comes from the coach and the whole squad. Knowing that he will come good, Shane Watson always comes good.”
“Remember 2 years ago, he was next to useless in the first part of the IPL but a brilliant hundred in the final. They stuck with him and it’s very good quality. It’s why they win so many titles. They are sensible and they don’t panic,” Graeme Swann said.
With the 10-wicket win against KXIP, CSK rose from the last spot of the eight-team points table. They are now 6th with four points from five matches. KXIP are now at bottom of the table with an only win and four losses from five games.