IPL 2022: Shane Watson, who was a distinguished player in the IPL, will be Ricky Ponting’s deputy at Delhi Capitals in the new 10-team season.
IPL 2022: Shane Watson joins Delhi Capitals as assistant coach (Photo courtesy of Shane Watson Instagram)
Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson confirmed on Tuesday he will join Delhi Capitals as assistant coach for the 2022 Indian Premier League. Taking to social media, Watson said he will be leaving for India to join the Capitals ahead of the 2022 IPL.
Shane Watson will join forces with former teammate Ricky Ponting, who continues in his role as head coach at the Delhi franchise. Watson said in a video message he’s excited to start a new chapter in coaching and that he couldn’t have had a better opportunity than to learn from Ponting.
“I am really excited to share the news that I will be heading to India this week to take on a role as assistant coach to @delhicapitals. Can’t wait to be back in the dressing rooms with my awesome pal Ricky Ponting,” Watson said in a post on Instagram.
“The IPL, the best T20 tournament in the world. I have incredible memories as a player and now coaching opportunities have come. To be able to work under the amazing Ricky Ponting. He’s an amazing leader as a captain and now he’s one of the the best coaches in the world and I am very happy that I can learn the basics from Ricky.
“Now is the time for the Delhi Capitals to win their first title. They have a great squad,” added Watson.
Watson, who was an integral part of Shane Warne’s title-winning Rajasthan Royals team at the inaugural edition of the IPL, played the league until 2020. Watson played a key role in helping Chennai Super Kings win the IPL title in 2019, but after an ordinary season at the UAE in 2022, Watson let the curtain fall on his playing career.
Watson played 145 matches and scored 3,874 runs, including 4 hundred runs, in his 13-year career in IPL. He also took up 92 wickets and proved to be one of the best all-rounders to have played in the league.
Delhi Capitals, who reached the IPL 2020 finals and playoffs last year, are hoping to continue their good run and take it a step further at IPL 2022. The Rishabh Pant-led side will open their campaign against the five-time champions Mumbai Indians on March 27.
