Shane Watson pays emotional tribute to Shane Warne
Watson made his debut for Australia in 2002 when Warne was performing at the peak of his powers for his country and their careers also crossed paths at domestic level, when they played together at English county side Hampshire and then again in the IPL with the Rajasthan Royals.
Speaking on The ICC Review and ahead of Warne's state funeral at his beloved Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday night, an emotional Watson paid tribute to his close friend and former team-mate and expressed how much the Australian great meant to him.
"It's just hard to comprehend that he is not here with us anymore," Watson said of Warne’s passing earlier this month.
The ICC Review: Shane Watson pays tribute to former teammate Shane Warne
"I was very fortunate - like Ricky Ponting was for me - Shane Warne was the same [type of] mentor for me.
"At the age of 20, when I came into the Aussie team, the way he took me under his wing and just cared for me was exceptional.
"At Hampshire 2004 and 2005, I continued to evolve my cricket because of Warnie.
"I was in Australian cricket's scrap heap in 2008 because of the injuries I had, and Warnie always believed in me. He is the reason why I went to Rajasthan Royals."
The ICC Review | Ponting's pledge for his fallen mate Warne
Watson said one of Warne's best traits was how much he believed in every one of his team-mates and that his positive outlook helped the Rajasthan Royals claim the IPL title in Watson's first year with the team in 2008.
"To be able to have him as captain and coach me for those four years at Rajasthan Royals turned me from a cricketer who had a bit of belief in myself into one to believing I was Superman," Watson noted. "That's what he did for everyone around him. It wasn't just me.”
"And the skill that Warnie had – 2008 IPL, bringing in a whole new group of players together. He was captain-coach, so he was absolutely running the show.
"His ability to see the best parts of people and bring them together really quickly, that's the reason why Rajasthan Royals did so well and won."
Watson also recounted a few memorable conversations he had with Warne over the years and revealed the legendary spinner was always a willing helper, while also caring deeply about his friends.
Recalling a few chats, Watson said: "I've had a lot of conversations with Warnie around life and cricket.”
"He always talked about how to take the aggressive option, how to take the positive option in any situation. He turned my bowling around. His mindset was always about getting a wicket. My mindset playing under him at Rajasthan Royals shifted. That's why he was so ridiculously good, because he always understood how to be able to try and get a wicket.
"His advice around all different parts of life. He was someone who was always willing to just help out in any way. My first commentary gig was the T20 World Cup last year. He was one person who reached out to provide some great words of support, encouragement and advice, because that's just what he did for his mates."