IPL: Shane Warne reveals reason why he joined Rajasthan Royals
Australian spin legend Shane Warne remains one of the GOATs of the last era. Notably, he even tasted success even in the shortest format, winning the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) with Rajasthan Royals. While he did play for the side for four years, before being associated with the management, he finally revealed as to why he joined the side.
Rajasthan offered Warne to run the team his way
Warne explained that prior to the opening season, Rajasthan paid him $657,000 to come out of retirement and participate for them in the tournament. As a part of the deal, they also offered him a 0.75% ownership of the team, along with the freedom to be the captain as well as coach of the side, and also manage the team the way he wanted.
Three percent of $400 million is all right: Warne
"We were the underdogs. It was the first-ever year of the IPL of franchise cricket where owners bought players and players went into auctions. Three percent of $400 million is all right," he was quoted as saying to Herald Sun.
Warne had a decent stint with Rajasthan
Warne was roped in by the franchise as their captain in the inaugural season (2008), while he was acquired for $450,000 during the auction. As he led the side to a title win, RR fared well throughout the season, winning 11 and losing three, with a win percentage of 78.57. Overall, Warne claimed 57 wickets in 55 matches at an economy of 7.27.
Rajasthan's performance has diminished following Warne's retirement
Post Warner, Rajasthan's performance took a hit, as their win percentage dropped below 50 in the following seasons. While they did manage to reach the playoffs thrice since then, they never played the final again. Furthermore, the franchise was hit with corruption claims and was eventually suspended for two seasons, before making a comeback since 2018.
Warne holds these records in world cricket
Warne holds the record for the most wickets in Ashes history (195) at an average of 23.25. This unbreakable record could stay on for ages. His 708 Test scalps are the second-best tally after Muttiah Muralitharan's mark of 800. He is also the third-highest ODI wicket-taker for Australia (291). Warne has the seventh-most catches in Tests for Australia (125).
