NEW DELHI: “Shocked and devastated” Rajasthan Royals paid glowing tributes to the late Shane Warne on Saturday, saying the Australian spin legend shaped franchise values and impacted the careers of many players during his stint as Indian Premier League captain. .
Warne played 55 games for the Rajasthan Royals between 2008 and 2011. He led the team to the IPL title in the inaugural edition in 2008. This triumph remains RR’s only IPL title to date. He was instrumental in grooming a host of young Indian cricketers who were part of the Royals squad during this period.
“All associated with the Royals of Rajasthan are still shocked and devastated. Our first thoughts are with his family, whom he cherished so dearly. We will ensure he is never forgotten and his millions of fans in India have the opportunity to pay their respects,” Royals principal owner Manoj Badale said in a statement.
“Shane (Warne) was the first Royal. Our first captain. Our first member of the family. And Our first champion. He provided so many memories on and off the pitch. He shaped the values of the RR franchise. He co-created the Royals. And he helped transform Indian Premier League (IPL) history.”
Warne, who redefined the art of spin bowling to become one of international cricket’s greatest, died of a suspected heart attack in Thailand on Friday.
He was 52 years old and survived by two daughters and a son.
“He (Warne) had a positive impact on the careers of so many – launching Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane, reinvigorating the careers of Shane Watson and Jos Buttler, working with Rahul Dravid and Graeme Smith, and helping so many young cricketers to perform, and often, above their potential. That was his unique ‘gift’,” Badale said.
“He leaves an amazing legacy. Wonderful memories shared with his family and friends, who were so touched by him. A wonderful charitable foundation that has changed the lives of thousands of children.”
Badale said Warne’s humor and passion for life inspired everyone.
“And the title of ‘the greatest leg player of all time’ in the second most popular sport in the world. He inspired us all with his humor and his passion for life.
“He was a cricketing legend. A legend in India. A legend across the world. But above all, he was a kind, generous, loyal and inspiring friend. He will be missed every day.”
An iconic name in international cricket, Warne, since his debut in 1992, has played 145 Tests for Australia, collecting 708 wickets with his leg rotation. In his 194 ODI appearances, Warne has captured 293 scalps.
He immortalized himself with the ‘ball of the century’ in 1993 when, aged 24, he tricked Mike Gatting at Old Trafford with a delivery which landed on the stump of his leg and, as the Englishman tried to defend, viciously turned to cut off his bond.
Gatting was left in disbelief by the large broken leg, a contraption that was dying before Warne resurrected it with his cunning.
Warne played 55 games for the Rajasthan Royals between 2008 and 2011. He led the team to the IPL title in the inaugural edition in 2008. This triumph remains RR’s only IPL title to date. He was instrumental in grooming a host of young Indian cricketers who were part of the Royals squad during this period.
“All associated with the Royals of Rajasthan are still shocked and devastated. Our first thoughts are with his family, whom he cherished so dearly. We will ensure he is never forgotten and his millions of fans in India have the opportunity to pay their respects,” Royals principal owner Manoj Badale said in a statement.
“Shane (Warne) was the first Royal. Our first captain. Our first member of the family. And Our first champion. He provided so many memories on and off the pitch. He shaped the values of the RR franchise. He co-created the Royals. And he helped transform Indian Premier League (IPL) history.”
Warne, who redefined the art of spin bowling to become one of international cricket’s greatest, died of a suspected heart attack in Thailand on Friday.
He was 52 years old and survived by two daughters and a son.
“He (Warne) had a positive impact on the careers of so many – launching Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane, reinvigorating the careers of Shane Watson and Jos Buttler, working with Rahul Dravid and Graeme Smith, and helping so many young cricketers to perform, and often, above their potential. That was his unique ‘gift’,” Badale said.
“He leaves an amazing legacy. Wonderful memories shared with his family and friends, who were so touched by him. A wonderful charitable foundation that has changed the lives of thousands of children.”
Badale said Warne’s humor and passion for life inspired everyone.
“And the title of ‘the greatest leg player of all time’ in the second most popular sport in the world. He inspired us all with his humor and his passion for life.
“He was a cricketing legend. A legend in India. A legend across the world. But above all, he was a kind, generous, loyal and inspiring friend. He will be missed every day.”
An iconic name in international cricket, Warne, since his debut in 1992, has played 145 Tests for Australia, collecting 708 wickets with his leg rotation. In his 194 ODI appearances, Warne has captured 293 scalps.
He immortalized himself with the ‘ball of the century’ in 1993 when, aged 24, he tricked Mike Gatting at Old Trafford with a delivery which landed on the stump of his leg and, as the Englishman tried to defend, viciously turned to cut off his bond.
Gatting was left in disbelief by the large broken leg, a contraption that was dying before Warne resurrected it with his cunning.
