Mumbai: “For any robbery or cheating, there are consequences. There need to be stricter laws. Vigilance is the right word to help Indian Premier League (IPL) gain back the trust of its fans. Undesirable elements need to be put out and guiding new players is important,” said Rahul Dravid, former India skipper and captain-turned mentor of Rajasthan Royals (RR) – the franchise enmeshed in courtroom fracas due to betting and spot-fixing cases that unfolded in 2013. But on the eighth edition of the T20 magnum opus, the Royals are keen to turn over a new leaf with World Cup winners.
On Monday, at the Brabourne Stadium, Cricket Club of India - one of the home grounds of RR - the team unveiled their jersey for the coming season with captain Shane Watson, all-rounder James Faulkner, Steve Smith, Ajinkya Rahane and Dravid.
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The Australian trio's value in the unit increased tenfold post their recent World Cup win.
Even Dravid accepted that the Australians were superior to the Indians and said: “It’s hard to say this but congratulations to my team members (RR) for winning the World Cup.”
Watson is still basking in the World Cup glory. “I feel fresh but still amidst World Cup celebrations,” he said. But he was quick to point out the significance of IPL in his career and the crucial players for his team this season.
“IPL has been a huge development for me as a cricketer when I first started under Shane Warne. It has also benefited the Australian cricketers overall when playing against India.
“India is an incredible country and to be a part of the passion people have for cricket here is a special feeling,” Watson added.
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Royals, who won the inaugural edition of the tournament under Warne, have been a quality side but they haven’t been able to make much noise for a good reason in the recent past.
But 2015 could be the turning point for the franchise who will be more than willing to clean the dirt off their linen.
Smith – who was a rising star till last season – has shaped up as a champion with his success against India in the Test series followed by the World Cup. For him, the shift from 50 overs to T20 is like “changing the gear”.
“It is not that difficult. I will try and get used to the conditions for the next couple of days,” he said.
When asked about sharing the new ball with Trans-Tasman rival Tim Southee, Faulkner said: “Well (looks at Watson and smiles), we will see what happens.”
There seemed to be a grin on both their faces when asked about the Kiwi bowler given the hullabaloo created over rivalries between the teams, verbal duel et al.
Faulkner, though, said that no cricketer takes the field with the purpose of exchanging words and giving looks.
Watson disclosed his witty side when asked about Wahab Riaz’s fiery spell that he survived in the World Cup quarterfinal against Pakistan.
“I am not really keen on facing world class pacers everyday. I was lucky against Riaz.”
However, the captain is pinning his hopes on Ajinkya Rahane for RR to be successful this season.
“Ajinkya had been very good in the Test series against us. Even with the pace and bounce Down Under, he had a good range of shots. He will be a crucial player for us,” asserted Watson.
