Shane Warne SHOCKING DEATH: The former Australian spin-legend Shane Warne not only was a magician with the ball but had a great eye for talent. The inaugural edition of IPL in 2008 was a great example. Rajasthan Royals won the title riding on players who were relatively unknown. Apart from Warne, they did not boast big names. The likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Shane Watson, Swapnil Asnodkar all emerged from RR stable with great backing from Warne.
On Friday evening, the King of Spin Shane Warne left for heavenly abode at just 52 but his ward Ravindra Jadeja paid his tribute to his teacher with a century against Sri Lanka. Shane Watson had a great career while Yusuf Pathan, Munaf Patel all proved their worth at the international circuit. InsideSport takes a look at five stars whom Shane Warne groomed at RR.
Shane Warne SHOCKING DEATH: From Siddharth Trivedi to Shane Watson, 5 players whom legendary Shane Warne groomed at RR
Shane Watson: Shane Watson was just 24 when he was picked by Rajasthan Royals. But Warne immediately took him under his wings at RR and empowered him. He ended up becoming top-scorer for RR with 472 runs and 17 wickets. While Watson is known as one of the best all-rounders, at that time, he was struggling and it was Warne who asked him to open and the rest is history.
Ravindra Jadeja: In IPL 2008, Ravindra Jadeja was just an 18-year spinner, still trying to find his feet. But Warne knew he could be one of the best in the world. Warne gave him the moniker ‘Rockstar’ even before selectors had an idea about who he really was. Warne gave him the break despite him being a youngster.
Shane Warne SHOCKING DEATH: From Siddharth Trivedi to Shane Watson, 5 players whom legendary Shane Warne groomed at RR
Jadeja went on to become one of the best all-rounders in the world, proving Warne how right he was. On Saturday, he paid his tribute, slamming a well-deserved century against Sri Lanka in the 1st Test.
“We loved him (Jadeja) from the minute we saw his approach and enthusiasm. There was a bit of ‘boy wonder’ in him so we gave him a longer leash than most, but his lack of discipline was a problem because it sometimes led the younger guys down the wrong path,” Shane Warne said of Jadeja.
Siddharth Trivedi: From RR’s title-winning squad, another relatively unknown player was Siddharth Trivedi. While he was considered one for the future, it was the IPL 2008 where Trivedi really showcased his talent. He bagged 13 wickets in 15 matches and received a lot of praise from Shane Warne. He continued to chip in with wickets till IPL 2013 before he was banned for not reporting approaches from bookies.
Shane Warne SHOCKING DEATH: From Siddharth Trivedi to Shane Watson, 5 players whom legendary Shane Warne groomed at RR
Yusuf Pathan: Like Ravindra Jadeja, Yusuf Pathan too emerged as one of the players to look for in T20 cricket. He was a breakout star of IPL 2008 with 435 runs and 8 wickets. He went on to have a successful international and career. He received a lot of praise from Warne.
Shocked to hear the sudden demise of @ShaneWarne. He was one of the skippers I always rated very highly. Very tough to consume this news. Condolences to his family and dear ones. pic.twitter.com/M7Z3Uv8ori
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) March 4, 2022
Shane Warne SHOCKING DEATH: From Siddharth Trivedi to Shane Watson, 5 players whom legendary Shane Warne groomed at RR
Munaf Patel: Even though Munaf Patel had already made a name for himself, it was Shane Warne who gave him confidence in T20 cricket. Munaf was a revelation in IPL 2008 with 14 wickets and followed it up with 16 in the next season.
Shane Warne SHOCKING DEATH: From Siddharth Trivedi to Shane Watson, 5 players whom legendary Shane Warne groomed at RR
