Dubai: Shane Watson has huge respect for AB De Villiers, who announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket soon after the Indian Premier League.
Speaking to Gulf News after signing up as the icon player of the Karachians, the new team of the oncoming T10 League to be held in UAE during December, he said: “I feel fortunate to have got the opportunity to play with AB for the Royal Challengers Bangalore for the two years. During that phase I got to know him and understand how incredibly good a player he is and also on top of it I got to know how incredibly good a person he is as well.
“He is such a genuine guy. What you see is exactly what he is in real. Maybe he now wants to spend more time with his family. Lot of sacrifices international cricketers do make and moreover he has got a young family. He was probably on the road since 18 or 19 with the South African team and so it takes its toll.”
Soon after De Villiers had announced his retirement, Watson congratulated the South African batman on his dream career and went on to describe him as one of his favourite players while playing with him or against him, added that cricketing universe will miss De Villiers. Watson also had tweeted: “Congrats @ABdeVilliers17 for an international career that people only ever dream of. One of my favourite players to play against and most certainly one of my most favourite teammates I have ever played with. You will be missed mate. #respect”
Watson, who is a keen observer of the game, has the ability to not only to analyse the game but also understands individuals. When asked about his Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s captaincy, Watson said: “Dhoni keeps calmness under pressure and has also the ability to get the best out of individuals, He reads people very well and knows what to say at the right time to get the best out of people, whether it is on the field or off the field.”
When asked about the rising talents in the IPL, he named two players. “There were many young cricketers in the IPL. Chennai has Deepak Chahar, he is a very skilful all-rounder and he is just 25 though he got only one chance to bat. Many young fast bowlers I saw with KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) and Rishabh Pant (Delhi Daredevils) is an incredibly skilful guy. There is lot of talent coming the way for India.” During the press conference when Karachians team co-owner Imran Amin was asked whether he discussed his team’s strategy with Watson, Amin said: “The team strategy will be worked out by Watson but as an owner what we need from Watson is just a knock of around 120 like what he played in the IPL final in Mumbai.” Watson showing the enthusiasm of a young cricketer, remarked: “I will try my best to score centuries here.”
