Shane Watson
Credits: BCCI

Five years ago, Shane Watson had stunned Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with a blistering century while playing for Rajasthan Royals (RR).

However, on Friday (April 20), the tables turned on Royals as they ended up on the receiving end of yet another batting masterclass from Watson.

Playing for Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Super Kings, the all-rounder slammed his third Indian Premier League (IPL) ton.

The right-handed batsman Waston scored 106 off 57 deliveries as Super Kings thrashed  Royals by 64 runs in their second-adopted homebase Pune.

The stunning knock was studded with nine fours and six sixes. As a result, Chennai piled up a massive 204 for four in the allotted 20 overs.

IPL 2018: 'Motivated' Shane Watson Happy After Delivering Big Against Old Franchise
Super Kings won the game by 64 runs (Credits: BCCI)

In reply, the Royals never looked in contention to chase down the total. They kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and were eventually all out for 140.

Speaking after the match, Watson said playing against his former team motivated him. He also slightly hinted that he was disappointed after not being retained by the team.

Watson was one of Royals’ most important players before the suspension. He was the highest-scorer for Royals when they won the inaugural edition of the IPL way back in 2008.

“My real motivation was that I was playing my old team Rajasthan, and I am happy it worked tonight,” he said.

 

“I understand the reality of franchise cricket, whether it’s Rajasthan picking me up or not, obviously they had their reasons why they didn’t pick me up, I fully understand that. In the end for these franchises, it’s business. I’ve been incredibly fortunate through my career to first get an opportunity at Rajasthan in 2008 at a stage where (from an) international point of view I was struggling to make my team, more so because of my injuries. So I’m incredibly grateful to Rajasthan,” he stated.

IPL 2018: 'Motivated' Shane Watson Happy After Delivering Big Against Old Franchise
Watson (L) scored 106 (Credits: BCCI)

Former Australia international Watson further opened up on his role with his new team. He has been an absolute revelation for the Super Kings. Watson is Super Kings’ highest run-scorer (175) and also their highest wicket-taker (6).

“Look, in the end, to get an opportunity to open the batting, I’m incredibly fortunate. First of all, to get picked up in the auction at this stage of my career and then to have had the opportunity to open the batting and to bowl the overs I’ve bowled as well is what I’ve always loved doing,” he said.

 

“To bat at the top of the order and also to try and contribute with the ball in the first six overs, through the middle or wherever the captain needs me, that skillset I’ve been able to develop and will continue to do,” he added.

Having retired a couple of years ago, Watson said he was looking to play such an innings for quite long.

“Honestly, I’ve been dreaming of a day like this for the last couple of years to play an innings like this. It sort of reminds me of the time when I was at my best consistently. Hopefully, I’ve got a few more in me,” he said.

Super Kings will next play Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday (April 22), as all eyes would be on Shane Watson.

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