Shane Warne hints at ‘Royal’ return to IPL
MUMBAI: Spin great Shane Warne was instrumental in leading Rajasthan Royals to the title in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008.
As Royals are set to make a comeback in the 11th edition of the IPL after a two-year suspension, there is a possibility of Warne returning to his old team in some capacity. The 48-year-old Australian great gave a hint of his return to the league in one of his tweets on Sunday.
“Looking forward to making an announcement to you guys this week which I’m very excited about & yes it involves the #IPL2018!,” Warne wrote in a tweet on Sunday.
Warne is known for his astute strategies and manmanaging skills. As Royals are yet to appoint a coach or a mentor, Warne’s tweet gives hints at a possibility of the former Aussie spinner joining the Jaipur-based team.
Another development that strengthens Warne’s likely association with his former IPL team is the appointment of former Mumbai batsman, Zubin Bharucha, as the chief of Royals’ cricketing operations. Bharucha, who served Royals in the same role from 2008 to 2015, is known to have a strong rapport with the Australian and he would like to see Warne working with Royals again.
If Warne indeed returns to the Royals camp, he will have an opportunity to work with fellow Australian and the current skipper of the national team, Steve Smith, who is set to lead the side in this season.