Australian cricketer Shane Watson, who most recently played in the Indian T20 League with Chennai, has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
The 39-year-old had previously retired from international and first-class cricket in 2016 but continued to participate in T20 leagues across the world. "Watson was very emotional when he told the CSK dressing room after the last game that he would retire. He said that it was a great privilege for him to play for the franchise," TOI quoted a source as saying.
Watson, who has scored 8821 runs in T20 cricket has had a distinguished career, which includes two ICC Cricket World Cup victories in 2007 and 2015.
Watson was part of the Rajasthan side that won the title in the inaugural season of the Indian T20 League. The all-rounder scored 472 runs and picked 18 wickets and was named the league MVP that season.
The Australian would have to wait another decade to win his second title, guiding Chennai to victory with an unbeaten century in the final. Watson almost led Chennai to their second straight title last season, scoring a brilliant 80 off 59 but Mumbai held their nerve to win by the tiny margin of a single run.
Watson had a down year in 2020, scoring just 299 runs in 11 matches, which possibly prompted his decision to hang up his boots. The great Australian finishes his Indian T20 League career with 3874 runs and 92 wickets, a stellar all-round and all-conquering career.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Noah Seelam
