Captain who won IPL trophy for Rajasthan Royals, now a coach

Mumbai: Former Australian cricketer Shane Warne will mentor the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming season of the cash-rich league beginning from April 7.

He will be joined by another Royals old hand in former Mumbai batsman Zubin Bharucha as Head of Cricket. Commenting on his appointment, Warne said,"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. 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," added Warne. The Australian led the Royals for three seasons from 2008-11 during which he played 52 games and picked 56 wickets. Later, he continued to be a guiding force for the team.As the greatest spin bowler the world has ever seen (708 Test wickets in 145 matches) Warne bound the spectators in a spell unseen on a cricket field. As a captain, he has been a leader par excellence. His astute leadership and cricketing brain came to the fore at Royals. (UNI)