Pictures: When Shane Warne, cricket's showman, visited Gulf News office in 2020

Shane Warne, arguably the greatest leg spin bowler of all times and then Rajasthan Royals team’s mentor and brand ambassador for IPL 2020, was the cynosure of all eyes when he visited the Gulf News office.

Shane Warne soaks in all the attention as he gets ready for a video interview by Gulf News editors.

His aggressive captaincy and superb man-management skills were so brilliant that experts and former players alike went on to say that he was the greatest captain Australia never had. The man himself admitted in his autobiography that not captaining his country was one of his greatest regrets.

Shane Warne redefined spin bowling like never before. He brought a style quotient to slow bowling with his famous walk up to the crease and a ripping wind up action. Not only did Warne generate tremendous spin off the pitch, but was also immensely accurate - a trait that is very tough for a leg-spinner to conquer.

Warne’s haul of 708 wickets is second in the all-time high wicket-takers in Tests to Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, who finished with 800 wickets.

After his retirement, Warne involved himself with the cash-rich Indian Premier League, leading Rajasthan Royals to a title in the first edition in 2008 with a group of unheralded cricketers - proving the fact that he was an inspirational leader.

Warne’s international retirement came in 2007 after Australia reclaimed the Ashes series of 2006-07, which was his ultimate goal. In March 2008, he signed to play for the Rajasthan in the Indian T20 League as their captain and coach and led the team to the title glory.

Later, he announced his retirement from all forms of the game in 2012.

There is never a dull moment for Warne even after his retirement, as he was a hugely popular commentator, businessman and a guiding force for IPL franchise Royals.