IPL 2020: Shane Watson opens up on MS Dhoni’s leadership, favourite CSK moment, match against Mumbai Indians

Dubai: Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has opened up about Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and explained why it is a “great franchise”. Also, he heaped praise the leadership of MS Dhoni and picked his favourite CSK moment, ahead of IPL 2020.

Currently, CSK players are in Dubai. They are in six-day quarantine as per the BCCI protocol. IPL 2020 will begin on September 19.

Watson, who flew straight from Australia to Dubai, is spending time in isolation in CSK team hotel in Dubai.

“I have been fortunate to play for CSK for the last few years. I loved my time at Rajasthan Royals (RR). It was an incredible experience to play under Shane Warne, and to play in Jaipur, it is a beautiful cricket ground, wicket is amazing,” Watson started off in a video posted on CSK’s official Twitter page on Monday (August 24).

“But CSK, it is an amazing franchise. It is run incredibly well, leadership all the way down,” he added.

Watson praised CSK captain MS Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming. “MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming, the way they set up the whole franchise is phenomenal.”

“You come in, you are embraced, you are trusted. I am fortunate to play for a great franchise in the back end of my career,” the all-rounder said.

On his favourite CSK moment, Watson said, “My favourite moment of CSK, is actually the first game (April 2018) I played for CSK.”

He continued, “Which was against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Mumbai. It was really a tight game. DJ Bravo batted like a genius. He got us out of trouble and won us the game.”

“I remember, after that game, MS Dhoni and Mike Hussey (assistant coach) said, 'you know that is what we do at CSK. We are never out of the game'.”

“CSK were out of the IPL for two years. To come back in the first game against one of the best teams, Mumbai Indians, and to win the game like that.”

“That was the first game I played for CSK. So, that was an amazing initiation into such a great franchise,” he concluded.

In IPL 2018 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Watson hit a century (117) to help CSK claim the trophy.