Warne has the rare vision to read the future

NEW DELHI: Shane Warne is the shining brand ambassador of a team that discovered winning ways only after experiencing some bitter times.

A fun club was non-existent for Rajasthan Royals when it began its campaign but at the end of it all there were delirious scenes in the dressing room. By winning the first edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the unsung Rajasthan Royals had rekindled memories of a feat achieved on a far greater stage by Kapil Dev’s team in 1983.

The similarities were striking as the captains led by example to stun fans. Few backed India to win the 1983 World Cup. Fewer had faith in Rajasthan Royals. But Warne had the rare vision to read the future.

He was quick to realise that star fighters only complicated a pursuit. He needed foot soldiers willing to tread stealthily and yet accomplish the mission on the strength of endurance and will power.

New stars

Warne discovered some new stars who lit up India’s cricket horizon. Yusuf Pathan gave power-hitting a new dimension as he carted the ball into the stands with amazing consistency. This was Twenty20 cricket at its best. In Niraj Patel’s success, there was justice for a talent that had suffered due to lack of opportunities. It was Warne’s personal attention to these two that changed their career.

Then there was Swapnil Asnodkar. Rated an average batsman with ambitions limited to playing first-class cricket, this dynamite at the crease was a treat to watch. His style of batting created a huge fan club for this stroke-player. It was Warne’s interest to push Asnodkar that saw the youngster live his dream.

Taking charge

At the right time in the competition, Rajasthan Royals saw Shane Watson explode and take charge. His professional touch was hugely instrumental in motivating the youngsters. Watson, named Player of the Tournament last time, is expected to miss the better part of IPL-II because of his Team Australia commitments.

Thanks to Warne’s leadership, Rajasthan Royals had discovered its innate strength and capitalised on the raw force that came in the form of Pathan, Asnodkar and Patel even as the established potential of Watson and Graeme Smith served the team well during the crisis situations. The nucleus of Rajasthan Royals remains the same this year, too, though Mohammad Kaif found the door shut on him abruptly even before a ball had been bowled.

The Pakistanis, especially Tanvir Sohail, would be missed too but Warne at the helm is a comforting thought for Rajasthan Royals in IPL-II.