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Shane Watson returns for the Legends Pro T20 League in Goa, joining Harbhajan Singh, Shikhar Dhawan and Dale Steyn.
Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson
Australian great Shane Watson is relishing his return to competitive cricket, saying that the Legends Pro T20 League captures the thrill of the IPL while carrying the simple, sun-soaked charm of a game by the beach.
Speaking ahead of his appearance within the Legends Pro T20 League, Watson said the drive to compete has never really left him. “Once that spark is in you, it’s hard for it to vanish,” he said. “I still enjoy hitting the ball cleanly, I still wish to test myself, and this league gives me the space to do all of that while actually having fun again.”
Back with familiar faces
For Watson, certainly one of the largest draws is sharing the sphere with players he has crossed paths with for years, sometimes as rivals, sometimes as teammates. “Being on the market with guys like Harbhajan, Shikhar and Dale brings back numerous memories,” he said. “We’ve played against one another, frolicked in the identical dressing rooms and travelled the world over together. There’s numerous history there. Now we get to enjoy all of that without the intensity of points tables or titles. It’s a distinct type of special.”
A venue that looks like home
Goa, he said, adds one other layer of charm to the league. “I’ve played in so many places in India, but Goa has its own vibe. It’s laid-back but still lively,” Watson added.
“It jogs my memory of growing up in Australia, hitting balls on the beach, mates around you, and waves within the background. That carefree spirit really suits a league like this.”
“It really does feel just like the IPL for legends”
Watson believes the tournament is way over an off-the-cuff hit-out. For him, it’s a celebration of an era of cricket and the supporters who lived through it. “This genuinely looks like the IPL for legends, big names, enthusiastic crowds and real cricket being played,” he said. “The fans who watched us through our careers still turn up with incredible energy. The competitiveness remains to be there, and it’s a pleasant technique to honour what this whole generation dropped at the game.”
Looking ahead, Watson is confident the league will ring a bell with supporters. “The response has already been improbable,” he added. “You possibly can sense the joy growing. I believe this season will remind people exactly why they fell in love with the sport.” The league now moves into its next phase, promising strong contests, nostalgia and lots of cricketing flair from a few of the sport’s most respected names.
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A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way in which for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I…Read More
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