We have world-class match-winners in this squad: Shane Watson

Shane Watson, the captain of Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals, the debut winners of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2008 will boast a star-studded line-up this season which possess world-class match-winners including the players from the 2015 ICC World Cup winning team. Shane Watson, leading the way for the Royals with World Cup winners James Faulkner, Steven Smith, along with Ajinkya Rahane, Tim Southee are all key-players for the Rajasthan-based side.

In his interaction with the media ahead of the IPL, the Royals captain was asked if the rise in expectations from his team added to the pressure.

We are all ready and fresh to go at the IPL: Watson

“I don’t think it adds more pressure. I think it’s just very exciting. In the squad that we have got this IPL season, we have match-winners all the way, more than in the past. We have world-class match-winners as well,” he explained.

“The most important thing in the IPL is to get off to a good start and we know we have to hit the ground running. But we know we have the players capable of doing that.” he said.

Watson also mentioned that the players are busting with energy and are raring to go for the season,

“We have players from the team that won the World Cup here. After enjoying the week that we spent at home celebrating (the success in the World Cup), we are all ready and fresh to go at the IPL,” he mentioned.

We have a good team. It is well balanced: Dravid

Rahul Dravid, the mentor for Rajasthan Royals spoke about the team’s line up and mentioned that this team is well-balanced and has batting as low as No. 7 and 8.

“We have a good team. It is well balanced. We have batsmen batting as low as No. 7 and 8. We have all-rounders in the line-up like James Faulkner, Shane Watson. We also have Dhawal Kulkarni in the team.” he added.

“So we have a balanced team but at the same time I will say that all eight teams are good. There are one or two areas that all can improve on or are critical areas, but all teams are good. But even if you have a good team you have to play well as well.”

“They are high-pressure, high-intensity games and the team that does well in those close situations wins more matches in this tournament. We are very happy with our team but we do know that whoever we play against will also be a good team.” Dravid said.

When asked about the team’s batting order, Watson maintained the team’s plans close to his chest.

“It’s something I will sit and talk with everyone, the coaching staff and the group and do what works well for us. I have my own thoughts and (I would like to) let the other guys share theirs as well. We will try and get the best results. We are incredibly lucky to have some of the best batsmen in our squad.” Watson said.