Australia and Chennai batsman Shane Watson has reportedly drawn curtain to his illustrious career by announcing his retirement from all formats of the sport. His decision came after Chennai’s last Indian T20 League game of the 2020 season against Punjab -a nine-wicket victory – on Sunday.
Watson had already retired from the international cricket in 2016 but continued to be a part of the domestic T20 leagues across the globe. The 39-year-old move to Chennai in 2018 and played a huge role as they were crowned the champions that season. Chasing 179 against Hyderabad, Watson smashed an unbeaten 117 off just 57 balls, an innings which included 11 fours and eight sixes. He played another quickfire innings in the 2019 Indian T20 League final but Chennai fell one run short.
Now, according to media reports, Watson has informed his Chennai teammates about his decision. “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 played 11 games in the ongoing Indian T20 League season, scoring 299 runs at an average of 29.90. Overall, in the competition, the 39-year-old has scored 3874 runs and will always be remembered as one of the greats. The decision of calling it quits hit the cricketing world hard, and this is how they are reacting to it:
Congratulations on a stellar career @ShaneRWatson33
MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj), November 2, 2020
One of the finest limited overs all-rounder. Best wishes for the next chapter of your life.
The curtain closes on a remarkable @IPL career. Congratulations mate you’ve done yourself proud and made every team you’ve played in so complete. #ShaneWatson
Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket), November 2, 2020
Thank you for all the memories Shane Watson. IPL MVP – 2008 and 2013. Scored a ton in IPL 2018 final v SRH. Batted through a bleeding knee in IPL 2019 final & almost got CSK through. Tremendous dedication. Has a hat-trick and 4 IPL tons. Champion player @ShaneRWatson33
Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang), November 2, 2020
He become so lovable after joining #CSK #thankyouwatto we loved you here #WhistlePodu
Sanjay Subrahmanyan (@sanjaysub), November 2, 2020
.@ShaneRWatson33 calls time on his #Dream11IPL career!
Reema Malhotra (@ReemaMalhotra8), November 2, 2020
Has been a legend
Your hundred in @IPL2918 final will be in everybody’s mind forever!❤ #legend #ShaneWatson
Shane Watson has called it quits from all forms of professional cricket.
Thank you Legend @ShaneRWatson33 for your priceless contributions and timeless sacrifices on the field. #ThankYouWatson
DHONIsm™ ❤️ (@DHONIism), November 2, 2020
One of the Finest All Rounder from International Cricket & a Legend in the #IPL history played his last season.
From #RajasthanRoyals to #RCB to #CSK, #Watson was loved by all fans.#ShaneWatson #IPL2020 #ThankYouWatson
g0v!ñD $#@®mA (@rishu_1809), November 2, 2020
This will be remembered forever – the legacy of Shane Watson in IPL. #ThankYouWatson #thankyouwatto #ShaneWatson
Kᴀᴘɪʟ Yᴀᴅᴀᴠ (@imKapilyadav7), November 2, 2020
Watson, honestly I feel still there is a lot of cricket left in you. I just loved watching you winning matches for csk. You deserved a farewell match atleast. Thank you for all the m memories!
rhealover (@rhealover3), November 2, 2020
Shane Watson
#ThankYouWatson
Thank you @ShaneRWatson33 for all the wonderful memories and the phenomenal knocks.. Cricket and Chennai will miss you always Knee-nga epome vera level :’) #ShaneWatson #wattoman #CSK
Sowmeya (@paavaitweets), November 2, 2020
Happy Retirement @ShaneRWatson33
Ayush Pandey (@ayushpandey49), November 2, 2020
One of the greatest all rounders of our era !! A pure batsman while bowling, and a pure bowler while bowling. Have admired you a lot and will always do❤️
This pic with the blood on the knee has a diff dedication ❤️#happyretirement #ShaneWatson
IPL enhanced your career, you enhanced the value of IPL. Thanx for all the entertainment and memories both with bat and ball. Watto, we will miss you! #ShaneWatson #CSK #RajasthanRoyals #IPLlegend #retirement #IPL2021
BALASUNDARAM R (@contking), November 2, 2020
Despite being a part of CSK for only 3 seasons he has made a huge impact on CSK’s legacy . That defines him as a player . Thank you for all the memories Watto #ThankyouWatson
` (@FourOverthrows), November 2, 2020
Started in Yellow Ended in Yellow#ThankYouWatson
Abhishek Ghosh (@evilenuff), November 2, 2020
Your contribution would be unmatchable for @ChennaiIPL & @rajasthanroyals
Anmol Sharma (@sharrma_anmol), November 2, 2020
In just 3 years you made huge impact on @ChennaiIPL and I always loved you from day 1 when you started carreer in @rajasthanroyals and was man of the tournament. #thankyouwatson @ShaneRWatson33