Cricket

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has issued a stern warning to the Australian cricket team ahead of their opening Test against India in Perth on Friday. Watson highlighted the intensity and competitive spirit that Virat Kohli brings to the field, cautioning Australia to be prepared for his trademark aggression.The Aussies are set to face India in a highly-anticipated five-Test series for the Border-Gavaskar trophy, and Kohli's form and leadership are likely to play a decisive role. Watson emphasized Australia's need to maintain composure against Kohli's fierce approach.Kohli's performance in Test cricket has been declining over recent years, with his struggles becoming increasingly apparent since 2020. The former Indian captain has been working diligently to recover his exceptional batting form in the traditional format of the game.In 34 Test matches spanning the past four years, he has accumulated 1,838 runs at an average of 31.68, with only two centuries and nine half-centuries to his name. With his prolonged period of modest performances continuing, there is mounting pressure on Kohli to deliver significant contributions across five Tests."The one thing that I know about Virat is because he's the fire burning so brightly and deeply inside of him, the intensity that he brings to every ball that he is engaging in a game has been superhuman. But there have been moments in his career when that fire started to go out because it is so hard to maintain that intensity," Watson said in the Willow Talk Podcast.Despite experiencing a period of reduced performance, Kohli's challenging phase has continued. However, Watson cautioned the Australian side, suggesting they should wish for the Indian stalwart to enter the series without his characteristic vigour. He emphasised that if Kohli regains his typical intensity, spectators worldwide would witness him at his finest form."That is where the Australian team needs to leave him alone, and hope that he doesn't bring that intensity. If he brings that, then that just shuts everything out, and that's when he will be at his very best. But if stuff is going on and that intensity is not there, then you see that not the best version of Virat," he added.

Sam Konstas, the 19-year-old batting prodigy, has emerged as a potential Test debutant for Australia in the upcoming home series against India. His mentor, former all-rounder Shane Watson, believes that the current circumstances present a "perfect storm" for Konstas to make his international debut.Konstas' twin centuries for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield earlier this month have propelled him into contention for a Test berth. He will feature for Australia A next week alongside Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris, as the selectors weigh their options.Watson, who has worked with Konstas for four years, highlights the player's exceptional talent and dedication. He believes that Konstas' age and the aging nature of the current Australian team make this an ideal time to inject young blood into the side."The whole situation is, in my mind, a perfect storm to be able to give him an opportunity to be able to play Test cricket," Watson said. "For me, this is an opportune time, knowing that the bowlers are aging, there's Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja as a starting point who are aging."Watson draws parallels between Konstas and Cameron Green, who made his Test debut at 21 on India's last tour of Australia. He emphasizes the importance of giving young players early opportunities to learn and develop."Australian cricket always did incredibly well was see someone who is different from all the younger stars coming through and get them into the Australian set-up, as early as they can within reason, to be able to help them learn," Watson said.Konstas' batting predecessors, Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh, were both given their Test debuts at the age of 20. Watson himself played ODI cricket as a 20-year-old, which he believes significantly accelerated his development."There's no doubt that my one-day cricket would never have evolved to the heights that it did without me being around the Aussie team [at a younger age]," Watson said.Konstas' single-minded dedication to his craft has impressed Watson. "From the first moment that I met Sam, the thing that jumped out at me the most was his desperate desire to be the best that he possibly could be," Watson said.With the Test series against India approaching, Konstas' chances of making his debut are growing. The selectors will have a tough decision to make, but Watson believes that the young prodigy is ready for the challenge.

India's quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Test series triumph in Australia begins on November 22 with the first Test in Perth. After their historic victories in 2018-19 and 2020-21, Rohit Sharma's team faces a formidable challenge in a five-Test series, the first since 1991-92.India's bowling attack, boasting the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ravichandran Ashwin, is expected to play a pivotal role. Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson believes India has the firepower to conquer Australia once again."India's pace attack will be where they predominantly win that series," Watson said. "They've got the firepower to be able to do it, but to be able to do it five Test matches in a row in Australia, they'll have to rotate them as well."Watson acknowledged that India's spin duo of Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja may not be as effective in Australia as they are in other parts of the world. However, he emphasized that their skill and experience will still pose a significant threat to the Australian batters.India's batting lineup, featuring Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and rising stars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, is expected to provide a stern test for the hosts. Watson believes India's attacking approach could put pressure on the Australian bowlers."With the calibre of batters that India have got and the skill they've got, there's no reason why they can't combine that, putting pressure on the bowlers, score quickly but also not make mistakes," he said.Watson warned that Australia will need to be at their best to overcome India's formidable team. "The last time that they met in Australia, India played very, very well. They will have their confidence from that last tour," he said."But just knowing the firepower that India do have with the bat and the ball and how they continue to come together, Australia are going to have to be at their very, very best to be able to win that series."After the Perth opener, India will face Australia in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.

India's T20 World Cup Team Balance Raises Concerns, Says Scott StyrisFormer New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris has expressed concerns about the balance of the Indian team participating in the ongoing T20 World Cup. While acknowledging the talent within the squad, Styris highlighted weaknesses that could hinder their progress."India has got a lot of talent, but they have holes as well," Styris said. "They don't field really well. The balance of the team could be a problem."Styris's comments come as India prepares for their tournament opener against Ireland on June 5. The team has been criticized for its lack of all-rounders and its reliance on spin bowling in conditions that may not favor them.Former Australian captain Shane Watson, however, believes that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma can overcome concerns surrounding his form and lead the team to success. Watson drew a comparison between Rohit and David Warner, who was named Player of the Tournament in 2021."Great players find a way to step up and get things together at the right time," Watson said. "Rohit Sharma knows how to turn it on when he needs to."Watson also acknowledged the potential threat posed by India, depending on the playing conditions. "If things come about nicely and their spinners have the impact they think they'll have in the conditions, there's no question they can go on a big run," Watson added.India's team balance will be put to the test in their opening match against Ireland. A strong performance could silence critics and boost their confidence, while a disappointing result could raise further questions about their chances of success in the tournament.

Shane Watson, the former Australian all-rounder, has hailed Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni as the most mentally resilient players he has encountered. Watson, who has had a distinguished career himself, highlighted Kohli's unwavering intensity and Dhoni's ability to simplify complex situations.Kohli, a right-handed batsman, recently topped the scoring charts in the IPL 2024, amassing 741 runs for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Watson praised Kohli's mental toughness and unparalleled intensity on the field. "There's only really a couple of other people that I've played with or played against who had that consistent intensity every moment of every game," said Watson. "That's why he's been able to sustain such high performances for such a long period of time."On the other hand, former Indian captain MS Dhoni is lauded for his contrasting approach to the game. Despite a lower intensity level compared to Kohli, Dhoni's ability to trust his intuition and simplify complex situations into manageable concepts stands out. Even at 42, Dhoni's strategic acumen and leadership qualities continue to shine. "He doesn't need to be like nine out of 10 with his intensity level; he needs to be at around six," said Watson. "Even at the ripe age of 42, he still knows how to be able to let his mind be free to be able to access his skills that are so deeply ingrained."Watson also discussed the mental preparation necessary for players transitioning from IPL conditions to international tournaments, such as the Men's T20 World Cup. He commented, "These are world-class cricketers who are going from an IPL, for example, and they're gonna have to make little adjustments to the conditions and pitches that they're gonna be facing. Also, whether it's temperature, and a new team environment as well. That's where by understanding these mental skills deeply and applying those into just who you are, you build a really strong, like a bulletproof cocoon around you."Furthermore, Watson commended Australian captain Pat Cummins for his leadership qualities, particularly his ability to foster an environment where players can express themselves freely and perform without fear of failure. "He gives you the right information to be able to clear your mind so you can, and are getting the best chance of executing your skills," said Cummins's compatriot. "The reason why in my mind, he's had so much success is that it's just natural, which is who he is, how he is and he's not trying to be someone else."

The resurgence of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. After a dismal start with seven defeats in eight matches, the Faf du Plessis-led side displayed unwavering determination and staged a stunning comeback, winning six consecutive games. This remarkable turnaround propelled RCB into the Playoffs, knocking out five-time champions Chennai Super Kings in the process.The RCB faithful are now eagerly anticipating their team's progress into the final, a stage they last graced in 2016. That heartbreaking loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad by a mere eight runs still lingers in the minds of many fans. Recently, former all-rounder Shane Watson, who was part of the 2016 RCB squad, expressed his remorse for his poor performance in the final.At a university event, Watson was greeted with chants of "RCB, RCB, RCB" from the crowd. His reaction was priceless, a testament to the extraordinary passion of the RCB fandom."To all the RCB fans here tonight, I need to profusely apologize," Watson told the students. "The reason is the 2016 IPL final at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.""I was as prepared as I could be, hoping to perform my very best, but I had one of the worst performances from a bowling perspective in the final. And I most probably cost RCB the IPL title," he added.Watson's expensive spell of 61 runs in just four overs proved costly for RCB, allowing SRH to post a formidable total of 208/7. Despite a blistering start from openers Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli, who stitched together a 114-run partnership, RCB's chase fell short as SRH bowlers restricted them to 200/7.Watson's disappointing performance extended to his batting as well, scoring only 11 runs off 9 balls.Looking ahead to IPL 2024, RCB will face Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator match on Wednesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The team will be hoping to continue their resurgence and secure a berth in the final.

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has hailed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Shreyas Iyer for his exceptional leadership in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Under Iyer's guidance, KKR has reached the final, showcasing a remarkable team performance throughout the season.Watson praised Iyer's ability to bring out the best in his players, allowing them the freedom to express themselves on the field. "As a leader, he has had a lot of success. This means he is getting the best of the people around him," Watson said.Iyer's own performance has been impressive, with the skipper scoring 345 runs in 13 innings at an average of 38.33 and a strike rate of 146.18. His knock of 58* in the Qualifier 1 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) was a testament to his leadership qualities.Watson highlighted the all-round contributions from the KKR team, with Sunil Narine, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, and Varun Chakravarthy all playing crucial roles. "It is not just him doing his thing, he is performing well, the team and players around him are doing very well, which is a telltale sign that you as a leader are doing a very good job," Watson added.In the Qualifier 1 match, Mitchell Starc's fiery spell of 3/34 in four overs set the tone for KKR's victory. The left-arm pacer has consistently made an impact in big matches, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.KKR's victory has earned them a direct spot in the final, while SRH will have one more chance to reach the title clash in Qualifier 2. The two-time champions will be hoping to continue their impressive form and lift the IPL trophy once again.

Shane Watson, the former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) all-rounder, has expressed deep regret over his performance in the 2016 IPL final, where RCB narrowly missed out on the title. Speaking at an event in Bengaluru, Watson apologized to the franchise's fans for his disappointing display.Watson, who joined RCB in 2016 after a successful stint with Rajasthan Royals, had a strong season with the ball, taking 20 wickets in 16 matches. However, his performance in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad was a major letdown.RCB had a remarkable turnaround in the second half of the 2016 season, making it to the playoffs and ultimately the final. However, their hopes were dashed by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the summit clash, where RCB's bowlers struggled, allowing SRH to post a formidable 208/7 in 20 overs.Watson was notably off his game, conceding 61 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket. His woes continued with the bat, where he managed only 11 runs off 9 balls, contributing to RCB's narrow 8-run defeat."To all the RCB fans here tonight, I need to profusely apologize," Watson said. "The reason why I need to profusely apologize to RCB fans is because of the 2016 IPL final at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. I was prepared as well as I could be. I was hoping to perform my very best, but I had one of the worst performances when it comes to the bowling perspective in the final. And I most probably cost RCB winning that IPL."Watson's candid apology highlights the pressure and emotional investment players have in the game, and his acknowledgment of the fans' disappointment shows his respect and dedication to the sport and its supporters.

Despite Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) disappointing exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa and Australian all-rounder Shane Watson believe that MS Dhoni will return to the tournament next season.Dhoni, who played through a knee injury, showcased impressive form throughout the season, scoring 161 runs at an average of 53.66 and a strike rate of 220.54. However, his efforts were not enough to secure a playoff spot for CSK, as they lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a crucial game.Uthappa expressed his confidence in Dhoni's return, stating, "I don't think we have seen the last of MS. He is not someone who takes these things lightly. He will come back roaring for sure." He also shed light on Dhoni's injury, explaining that the veteran cricketer had been managing a calf injury that was more serious than initially thought.Watson echoed Uthappa's sentiments, expressing his hope to see Dhoni continue in the IPL for at least another one or two years. "He batted beautifully again. There is no doubt that he can fulfill a very important role for CSK, even if it's coming in and facing 13-15 balls each game and doing this. He played incredibly well. Fingers crossed, MSD can roll out again for at least one or two more years, fulfilling this role which is a little less demanding physically on him anyway," Watson said.Dhoni's commitment was evident in his last match, where he played a valiant knock of 25 off 13 deliveries, falling in the final over of the chase. His ability to adapt and still contribute significantly underlines his importance to the team.Dhoni had stepped down as CSK captain ahead of the 2024 season, handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad after leading the team to five IPL titles. His presence, both on and off the field, continues to be a cornerstone for CSK, and fans, along with cricketing greats, are hopeful to see him in action again next season.