Mohammad Kaif feels ‘magical’ Shane Warne can get the best out of Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals are returning to the IPL fold after a gap of two years. A couple of weeks after this year's auction, they appointed their former IPL winning captain Shane Warne as the team mentor ahead of the 2018 season. The legendary leg-spinner was the captain for four years before he retired from all forms of cricket in 2011. 

Mohammad Kaif, who was the most expensive RR player in 2008, played under Warne’s leadership in the inaugural edition of the IPL. He is confident that the former Australian leg-spinner will get the best out of Rajasthan Royals. Kaif felt that Warne had magical abilities and knows how to get the best out of every player. 

“Shane Warne has magical abilities; he knows the pulse of players and can bring out the best from a batsman, bowler, fielder or a wicketkeeper,” Kaif was quoted saying by the TOI. 

After winning the first season of the IPL, Rajasthan Royals have never won another title. In fact, they have reached the playoffs only twice after the first season. But Kaif feels the team will be hungry for success especially after a two-year gap while pointing out the good mix and balanced side that they possess this time around. 

“During the first season, there were players who were not known by anyone, and this team, picked up, is the best mix of experience and young brigade and hence make a balanced side. After two year, the team will be hungry to give their best and it might repeat the success of the first year,” the 37-year old added. 

Kaif said that Rajasthan has been producing great talents in cricket. However, he felt that the state needs a mentor, someone who can guide the youngsters to walk ahead on their career steadily. He thinks that there needs to be a local hero who can be an inspiration for the youngsters. 

“Rajasthan needs to have someone who can handhold these talents, show right guidance and prove to be a right mentor. When I played under-19 in UP, there were number of players who came up to polish my talent. Similarly, Rajasthan too needs to have a local hero, who can be an inspiration for youngsters,” Kaif stated.