IPL 2018: 3 retired players who are likely to make a mark in the tournament

#1 Shane Watson (Chennai Super Kings)

Shane Watson will turn out for CSK this season

Arguably one of the finest fast bowling all-rounders of his generation, Shane Watson never quite realized his true potential as he was consistently bogged down by injuries. A powerful hitter of the ball, Watson could handle both pace and spin with ease when in full flow. His bowling was not too bad either as his clever use of the short ball surprised even the best of batsmen.

He made his ODI debut for Australia in 2002 against South Africa before he finally earned the baggy green cap during Pakistan's tour of Australia in 2005. As a batsman, he played some very destructive knocks for Australia - one of them being his 185 against Bangladesh which till date remains the highest the individual score by an Australian in ODIs and also the highest score by any batsman batting second. In Tests, he had his most productive season in 2010-11 when he won back to back Allan Border medals. However, injuries continued to plague him and he officially retired from all forms of cricket in 2016.

He remains a very popular figure in the IPL and was an integral member of the 2008 title winning Rajasthan Royals side, emerging as the Player of the Tournament. He stayed with them for a number of years before he was picked up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2016 for a whopping INR 9.5 crore.

Watson has been a very consistent performer in the IPL. He has plundered 2622 runs in just 102 matches at a stunning strike rate of 139 with two centuries. His bowling has also been equally effective as he has picked up 86 wickets. His recent form has also been sublime. With 319 runs and 11 wickets in 10 matches, he has been an integral part of the Quetta Gladiators in the PSL this season.

Come April 2018, Watson will be seen donning the yellow jersey of the Chennai Super Kings.