IPL 2022: Shane Watson set to join Delhi Capitals as assistant coach
Head coach Ricky Ponting has reportedly recommended Watson's name.
In what can be called a major development, Shane Watson is set to join Delhi Capitals as the assistant coach for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. The former Australian all-rounder is one of the most prolific performers in the league’s history, having scored 3874 runs and taken 92 wickets in the competition. Having last played for Chennai Super Kings, Watson retired from professional cricket after the 2020 edition and has been an active commentator since then.
However, it has now been learnt that Delhi Capitals, who have qualified for the playoffs in the last three seasons, have bagged his services in the coaching department. It must be noted that the Delhi-based franchise has parted ways with Mohammad Kaif and Ajay Ratra, the assistant coaches from last season. Besides Watson, former Indian pacer Ajit Agarkar is also being tipped to be another assistant coach.
Delhi Capitals to have a revamped team management
Praveen Amre, a former India batsman, will continue to serve the franchise as another assistant coach. Former Aussie all-rounder James Hopes is another name with whom DC are persisting with. He has been the bowling coach. Meanwhile, as per a report in Cricbuzz, Ricky Ponting, Watson’s former Australian teammate and head coach of the team, has recommended the former all-rounder’s name to the franchise officials.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will lead the Capitals in IPL 2022 and expectations are pretty high from him. It will be a task cut out for the southpw with the likes of David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, Rovman Powell and Mitchell Marsh being the other notable names in the batting department. As far as bowling is concerned, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur and Anrich Nortje will handle the mantle.
Overall, the side looks pretty balanced on paper and they would like to continue their sensational run in the lucrative competition. Meanwhile, IPL 2022, which will be a 10-team affair this time around, is expected to get underway in March end.
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