Watson to lead Rajasthan Royals

Mumbai, Mar 10: Shane Watson has been appointed captain of Rajasthan Royals for the 2014 edition of the IPL. Watson will take over from Rahul Dravid, who retired from all forms of cricket after leading Royals to the Champions League T20 final in October 2013.

Watson has been with Royals from the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008. He has represented them in 61 matches, the second-most after Siddharth Trivedi. He has scored 1887 runs for his franchise at an average of 38.51 and a strike-rate of 143.82, and has also taken 54 wickets at an economy-rate of 7.27. Watson was instrumental in Royals' title win in 2008 and was named Player of the Tournament for his 472 runs and 17 wickets.

Dravid will continue to be involved with Royals in a mentoring role, and will guide youth and talent development initiatives for the franchise.