Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson who has been a part of Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings in the IPL has said that he did have a good experience with the RCB players but “there’s no real emotional connection with the owners”.
“RCB was a great experience because of the calibre of players I played with. It was run by Diageo which is sort of a Johnny Walker company, so it was more corporately sort of run, which is different. There’s no real emotional connection with the owners who put in their heart and soul into it,” Watson was quoted as saying in a Grade Cricketer podcast.
Watson hailed CSK coach Stephen Fleming and captain MS Dhoni. The former Aussie player rated Fleming as the “best coach” with whom he had worked.
"CSK was an incredible experience – to be with a team that was ageing, because of the experience we had, to be led by MS Dhoni, to be coached by Stephen Fleming, who is the best coach I’ve ever worked with," Watson said.
The right-handed batsman further said that the kind of connection Fleming has with Dhoni is good. "Fleming’s man-management skills, understanding of individuals and team environment, and also his cricket knowledge is ultimate. And, of course, the connection he had with MS Dhoni. That was a super cool experience," Watson added.
Watson played 145 matches in the IPL scoring 3874 runs and picking up 92 wickets.