Super Kings has always performed well in big games: Shane Watson

“CSK has a storied past in the competition, two trophies and runners-up on four occasions, and it has always performed well in big games... the opening match here is another big one,” the 36-year-old Australian stated ahead of team practice on Thursday. 

Ahead of season 11, the CSK’s think-tank pieced together the core of the team that served them with distinction previously and also put their faith on experienced players during the auction. 

“I’ve been absolutely blown away with the fan support that CSK has. I knew while playing for other franchise that CSK have a strong fan base but the last week in Chennai, to see thousands of fans coming to the ground to watch CSK practice has been an unbelievable experience,” continued Watson, who played his last international game in the World Twenty20 in March 2016 but remains a regular in global Twenty20 leagues. 

“We are going to be doing everything that we possibly can to repay their faith and make them have a lot to cheer for.”  Watson has played 102 games in the IPL, scoring 2,622 runs at a strike rate of 138.65 and claimed 86 wickets at 21.63, during the time he spent with Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore. 

“I love playing the game, and if you have the opportunity one should continue playing for as long as one can. I’m very lucky to have made the career that I have, I am very fortunate and I suppose the experience is the advantage I have over the young guys but still it’s a big challenge,” opined Watto, as he is fondly known in cricket circles. 

Speaking about his approach to a big match, he said, “The best way for me is to just make sure that I am well prepared, I plan and prepare during training before the game and then I prefer to chill out, not over-think, spend time doing things to get my mind away from the game so that I conserve the mental energy for the game.”