IML 2025: Shane Watson reveals ‘secret sauce’ responsible for his red-hot form

Shane Watson continues to dominate the International Masters League (IML) 2025. The 122 off 61 balls scored by the Australia Masters captain against South Africa Masters in the last game of the Vadodara leg of the IML on March 7 was his third century in four matches, after his 110 against India Masters in the previous game, and his 107 against West Indies Masters in Australia’s first game of the tournament.  

Watson’s centuries against India Masters and South Africa Masters were match-winning knocks, in which he showcased all the qualities that made him one of the leading cricketers in the world in the 2000s and 2010s. His contributions to Australia’s triumphs in the 2006 and 2009 editions of the Champions Trophy will never be forgotten. He was also a key member of the Australian teams that won the Cricket World Cup in 2007 and 2015. Interestingly, India’s Sanju Samson, who was Shane Watson’s Rajasthan Royals teammate for a couple of seasons, recently scored three T20 International centuries in five matches.

Reflecting on his incredible run in the IML, Watson expressed his gratitude for being a part of the tournament and getting the opportunity to play alongside cricketing greats.

“The thing I’m most grateful for, and we all are, is being part of this incredible tournament. It’s truly an honour to be back out there playing. A huge credit to the people who have put this league together—it has been so much fun,” he said after the match.

When asked about his remarkable consistency, Watson credited the pitch at Vadodara, calling it one of the best he has played on.

“The secret sauce is playing here in Vadodara. It’s a beautiful pitch and an incredible stadium—one of the most stunning venues I’ve been a part of. I’d love to take this pitch everywhere I go! It played a little slower today, but we were still able to get going. With the short side on one end, it makes it a little easier to go harder, knowing you have that advantage. That has certainly worked in our favour over the last few games,” he further added.

He also spoke about his partnership with Callum Ferguson and the joy of sharing the field with masters like Jacques Kallis.

“Callum Ferguson is someone I’ve known since my early 20s, so it was great to spend time out there with him. And of course, playing alongside someone like Jacques Kallis—one of my heroes—is a pinch-myself moment. Unfortunately, he hurt his hand during the game, which I felt incredibly bad about, but just being on the same field as him is special,” Watson said.

The ongoing inaugural season of IML has been providing fans with an incredible opportunity to witness some of cricket’s greatest players back in action.