IPL 2018 | Shane Warne appointed Rajasthan Royals mentor

After serving a two-year ban for their involvement in the spot-fixing during 2013, Rajasthan Royals are ready to rejoin the fray in 2018. In the upcoming season, they didn’t want to miss any chance to ensure their comeback started with a bang. For this season, they managed to take the services of international stars like Steve Smith, Ajinkya Rahane, and Ben Stokes. Now, they confirmed the inclusion of the former Australian leg-spinner as team's mentor who led the side from 2008 to 2011 and guided the team to win the trophy of the inaugural edition. The player featured in 52 IPL matches claiming 56 wickets, with his last game being in the 2011 edition.

"I am very happy and excited to be back with the Rajasthan Royals who I believe hold a very special place in my cricketing journey," Warne said as quoted by Cricbuzz. 

"I am overwhelmed by the love and affection showered on me by the franchise and fans of Rajasthan Royals. We have a strong, young and energetic bunch of boys and I am looking forward to work with them."

The Royals also managed to get the services of the former Indian first-class player Barucha for the 2018 IPL. In 2008, he worked as the team’s director and managed to perform at that position until the team’s suspension. The 48-year-old seemed happy with team’s return in the cash-rich league and the team’s head of cricket is looking forward to work with Warne in grooming the young players.

"We have always looked to groom talent at Rajasthan Royals and it will be no different this time," he said.