IPL 2018 | MS Dhoni wanted Shane Watson in Chennai team, reveals CSK CEO
Chennai Super Kings’ CEO Kasi Vishwanath has disclosed that when team’s management discussed the Shane Watson's name as a player for the team, MS Dhoni was more than happy with it. Watson’s performance in the last season of IPL was not up to scratch as he scored just 78 runs in eight matches.
After serving a two-year ban for their involvement in the 2013 scandal, the Chennai-based franchise is ready to make a comeback to the IPL. Ahead of the start of the IPL auction, the team retained Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Ravindra Jadeja. Dhoni’s presence helped the management to pick their squad for the upcoming season. As he was part of the team’s core decisions and Vishwanath revealed that the former Indian skipper batted for the Australian all-rounder’s inclusion in the side. In the last season, Watson played under Virat Kohli’s captaincy for Royal Challengers Bangalore where he failed to deliver by his own lofty standards.
"We knew his potential as an allrounder. Anyone can have a bad season. We discussed with our captain MS Dhoni about the prospects of having Watson in the team and Dhoni was happy. We felt Watson still has a lot to offer," the CSK CEO was quoted as saying by the TOI.
After a below-par performance in the previous season of IPL, Watson showed he was far from done in the Big Bash League and was very impressive throughout the
"When we found out that he is fit and doing well in Big Bash League, we backed him. He has been terrific in the ongoing PSL as well. We are pleased with the way he has been shaping up," Vishwanath added.
"Watson fits into the type of allrounders we have had in the past. Watson is a floater with the bat. He can preferably open but move around the order too. It was a conscious effort to have such a cricketer in the mix."
CSK will play their first match against defending champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 7.