Shane Warne: “I am very happy and excited to be back with the Rajasthan Royals”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

The Rajasthan Royals have appointed legendary Australia spinner Shane Warne as the franchise’s mentor for this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL).

Warne was the Royals’ captain-cum-coach when the team won the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008. He continued to lead them until 2011 when he announced his retirement from the competition.

With the Royals returning to the IPL after a two-year suspension, Warne is hoping to help the team replicate the success they had 10 years ago.

“I am very happy and excited to be back with the Rajasthan Royals who I believe hold a very special place in my cricketing journey,” Warne said in a statement released by the franchise. “I am overwhelmed by the love and affection showered on me by the franchise and fans of Rajasthan Royals.

“We have a strong, young and energetic bunch of boys and I am looking forward to work with them.”

Royals co-owner Manoj Badale added: “We welcome back Shane Warne as Rajasthan Royals mentor. He is a legend of the game and what he has achieved in Rajasthan Royals is unmatchable.

“Bringing back Shane Warne is also a way of giving back to our fans who have stood by us in trying times. As we are looking to build a strong team that can be in contention for the title, we believe Warne is the right person to mentor the Rajasthan Royals.

“Zubin [Bharucha] has also contributed immensely to the growth of the team and we are happy to have both back on board. We are excited and looking forward to a successful comeback.”