IPL 2020: One experienced player each franchise should retain

Shane Watson (Chennai Super Kings)

Shane Watson

The all-rounder Shane Watson was integral to Rajasthan Royals’ methodical IPL triumph in the inaugural season of the IPL back in 2008. He played a stellar hand for Chennai Super Kings in 2019 too, and almost single-handedly brought home the title for them with 80 from 59.

The image of Watson batting with a bloodied knee during the innings went viral. And so, even after Mumbai Indians won the final by one run, it was Watson who emerged as a superhero of sorts.

The heroics in the final apart, Watson had a reasonable season. The veteran Aussie finished with 398 runs, including three fifties and a highest of 96, scoring his runs at a strike rate of 127.56.

More than the runs he scores, it is his ability to come up with the goods under pressure that makes Watson such a valuable asset in the IPL - which is something the Chennai management will be well aware of. But it remains to be seen whether Watson makes himself available for IPL 2020, having retired from Australian cricket.

Overall IPL record: 134 matches, 3575 runs, 92 wickets