Shane Watson, the former Australian all-rounder, has announced his retirement from all forms of the game, bringing down curtains on a decorated 18-year-old career.
Watson, who had called it quits from all formats of international cricket following Australia’s 2016 T20 World Cup campaign, continued to play franchise cricket around the world. The all-rounder, who made his debut for Australia back in 2002 achieved a plethora of feats during his career to establishing himself as one of the leading white-ball all-rounders in the 21st century.
A two-time 50-over World Cup-winner [2007 and 2015], Shane Watson played a crucial role in several Australian triumphs like the 2006 and 2009 Champions Trophy. He was also named as the ‘Player of the Tournament’ in the 2012 T20 World Cup besides being adjudged as the Australian ‘Cricketer of the Year’ in 2010.
As far as his exploits in the IPL is concerned, Shane Watson remains one of the few cricketers to win the cash-rich league with two different teams- Rajasthan Royals in 2008 and Chennai Super Kings in 2018. He also won the ‘Most Valuable Player’ award in two different IPL seasons- 2008 and 2013.
Watson’s last three years in the IPL was full of soaring highs and some soul-crushing lows. His 117 not-out in the 2018 IPL finals will go down as one of the greatest-ever T20 innings while the 80 that he scored in the 2019 finals will always be a testimony to his unrelenting grit, valor, and desire to give his 100 percent to his team. His 2020 campaign mirrored that of his franchisees’ fortunes and he felt that it was the right time to exit.
”I feel crazily lucky to have lived out my dream, and then some,” It feels like the right time. Knowing that I’ve played my last game of cricket ever for my beloved CSK … To think that I’m finishing up my playing days as a 39-year-old, after all of my injury setbacks that I had along the way, I feel so ridiculously fortunate.” Shane Watson said in a video posted on his website.
Following his decision to retire, wishes have poured in for the champions all-rounder from not only his fans but also from his fellow cricketers.
Also Read- Top-5 Memorable IPL Performances By Shane Watson
Here’s how the cricketing fraternity wished Shane Watson following his retirement-
And @ShaneRWatson33 calls an end on an amazing career. Honour to share the field with such a fantastic cricketer. Go well in retirement buddy! pic.twitter.com/Ca3QPFr1PH
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) November 2, 2020
Congratulations on a wonderful career @ShaneRWatson33 you were one of the greatest all-rounders of modern day cricket, really enjoyed playing against you. Hope you have a great time and life post-retirement.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 3, 2020
An amazing run @ShaneRWatson33 and what a career ! Wishing you all the best in your new journey ! You and your game will be missed on the field. Go well !
— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) November 3, 2020
A little late to the party ? but just wanted to congratulate @ShaneRWatson33 on a wonderful career in all formats. Certainly going to miss seeing your smiling ? dial on the ground & the slow walk off the field when you got out ? Enjoy your next phase ????
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) November 3, 2020
What a career.
Many will never ever understand how difficult it is to be an allrounder at the elite level in all formats, let alone to do it for the best part of 20 years. Lucky to have played with you along the way.
Congratulations @ShaneRWatson33 ?? #391
— Trent Copeland (@copes9) November 3, 2020
One of my favourite player @ShaneRWatson33 bid a farewell to all formats of cricket.Undoubtedly his career has been outstanding & been inspiration for many.wish him all the very best for his future.Go well mate?? pic.twitter.com/orkQbP9fsT
— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) November 3, 2020
Hats off to you Watto on an unbelievable stellar career!
To continue to play at such a high standard at the age of 39 was incredible. To all the keyboard warriors that doubted you, where are they now! Now it’s time for
stage 2 @ShaneRWatson33 ?? https://t.co/6gypogoir2— Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) November 3, 2020
Congrats on a Stellar career @ShaneRWatson33 – achieved so many incredible feats on and off the field. Was a privilege to play alongside and against you. Good luck for your next adventure!
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) November 3, 2020
Congrats @ShaneRWatson33 on a great career bud. You can be incredibly proud of what you have done. Good luck for all that lies ahead
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) November 3, 2020
Congratulations brother ! It was great to play with you ! Best wishes for future endeavour! See you soon ! Love to beautiful family ❤️?☝️✊ https://t.co/RJBqtwOijC
— Suresh Raina?? (@ImRaina) November 3, 2020
The curtain closes on a remarkable @IPL career. Congratulations mate you’ve done yourself proud and made every team you’ve played in so complete. #ShaneWatson
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) November 2, 2020
? 59 Tests, 190 ODIs, 58 T20Is
? 10,950 international runs
? Player of the Tournament at 2012 T20WC
? 2007 and 2015 ICC Men's CWC champion?? Australian legend Shane Watson has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
Thanks for the memories, Shane ? pic.twitter.com/9gQELTn724
— ICC (@ICC) November 3, 2020
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