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MUMBAI:
Emerging Media, which owns the Indian Premier League's (IPL)
Jaipur franchise, has announced that Shane Warne is the captain
and coach of the team.
Emerging
Media says that Warne's achievements on and off the field,
combined with his unique understanding of the game, have made
him a living sporting legend, leading to the strategic appointment
as captain and coach of Rajasthan Royals.
Warne,
as captain for Hampshire since 2004, has led the side to victory
in more championship matches than any other county, and managed
to catapult Hampshire's 20/20 ranking from the second lowest
to the second highest in the 18-county English domestic competition.
Warne's
stated philosophy is to "lead from the front, make every
player know his role and make them responsible for fulfilling
that role in the team."
Emerging
Media CEO Fraser Castellino says, "It is this leadership
and experience that will develop the success and spirit of
the Rajasthan Royals. We were looking for a legendary cricketer
whom all players will look up to, and Shane's commitment and
astute cricketing brain makes him one of the most respected
cricketers in the history of the game."
Warne
says, "Our main goal is to build a winning 20/20 cricket
team. It's a form of the game that is unlike any other and
I have been in deep discussion with the management on the
types of players we need to be successful. Reputations and
track record in tests and ODIs are not necessarily relevant
when it comes to 20/20.
"I'm
very happy with the list of players chosen in the auction.
They all are part of the strategy to building a winning team.
I'm looking forward to leading the Rajasthan Royals, to playing
with the boys and to a successful season."
Castellino
adds, "Shane has been a winner throughout his career
and has made it clear that he is coming to India to make the
Rajasthan Royals win. His experience of over 15 years in international
cricket will be invaluable to a team of players from different
countries, cultures, and ages bringing them together as a
cohesive unit.
"We
are also in the process of creating a strong support team
which will include a world-class physiotherapist in John Gloster,
director of coaching and a team manager."
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