Shane Watson reveals his grandmother passed away on Wednesday, also pays tribute to Dean Jones

Shane Watson may not have fired for Chennai Super Kings so far in IPL 2020 but he’s always been a dangerous weapon of their artillery. Every team craves for a player who can turn up in vital matches. The man for the big occasion, Watson has been donning that role for CSK since the past two seasons.

In the final of 2018 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Aussie all-rounder remained unbeaten on 117 to guide CSK to their third IPL title. Watson took 11 deliveries to open his account but raced to his ton in the next 41 balls. In the course of his blistering knock, he slammed 9 fours and 8 sixes.

Watson repeated his batting heroics in IPL 2019 too and almost steered CSK to their fourth title. Batting with a bleeding knee and six stitches, he slammed a 59-ball 80, proving his worth in the final yet again.

Talking about CSK’s IPL 2020 ride, the journey has been a topsy-turvy one for them so far. After thumping Mumbai Indians in the tournament opener, Dhoni’s men suffered two consecutive defeats against Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. With the tournament still being in its early phase, the Chennai side is expected to retaliate and bounce back to their usual self.

After their 44-run defeat against Capitals on Friday, Watson analyzed CSK’s flaws on his YouTube show ‘The Debrief’. According to him, CSK never got the momentum going in their run-chase. He also felt responsible for that as being an opener, it’s Watson role to steer his side to a robust start.

I’m sorry that I can’t be there right now: Shane Watson

Before scrutinizing the CSK-DC encounter, Watson started off the video by talking about two emotional things. Watson revealed that his grandmother Ritchie (mom’s mom) passed away on Wednesday. He sent his love to his family back home and apologized for not being present there at the moment.

“I want to send my love to my family back at home and I know how incredible mom was my grandmother to my mom. My heart goes out to my family at home. I’m sorry that I can’t be there right now. My love goes to you,” said Watson in the video.

He further also paid tribute to Australian great Dean Jones. Watson acknowledged Jones as one of his heroes and mourned his untimely demise.

“I’m shattered that such a person isn’t with us anymore. In the last four years, I got to know him very well. He was also my coach at Islamabad United for two years. I got to know him very well after I stopped playing for Australia. Jones always wanted to learn more and get better.

He always pushed the limits to get better. Another thing for which I adored him was that he cared for other people. He wanted to give back to people who weren’t as fortunate as he was. My heart goes out to Jones’ family and Brett Lee, who did every possible thing to keep the great man alive,” Watson further said.