Former Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne has been reappointed mentor and brand ambassador for the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2020 Indian Premier League.
Warner will work alongside Rajasthan head coach Andre McDonald and captain Steven Smith.
“On my dual role, it's always a great feeling to be back with Royals – my team, my family,” said Warne.
“It's exciting to be working across all elements of this franchise that I love. We have worked towards our vision of becoming a global team that fans around the world love and follow.
“This season I am looking forward to working as a team mentor and joining up with an excellent backroom staff in head of cricket Zubin Bharucha and Andrew. Hopefully, we can have a successful season and achieve big things in the coming months.”
‘One of the All-Time Greats'
Warne captained the Royals to the inaugural IPL title in 2008. They haven't won the tournament since. The franchise was suspended in 2016 and 2017. In 2018, they finished in fourth position. The Royals ended in seventh spot in 2019.
“He is one of the all-time greats of the game and is very special to us here at Rajasthan Royals,” added Royals chief operating officer Jake McCrum.
“Shane is someone who exemplifies our vision of driving innovation and we're delighted to have him with us supporting both the growth of our franchise globally, while also motivating our players for success on the field.”
This year's Indian Premier League will be played in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi will be the hosts cities. The UAE also hosted the tournament in 2014.
IPL 2020 in the UAE
The IPL 2020 will be played without spectators. This will be done as a preventative measure against the spread of the coronavirus.
The Mumbai Indians are the reigning champions. They have won the title four times. Mumbai beat the Chennai Super Kings in the 2019 final.
Chennai have three IPL titles. Chennai and Mumbai will contest the first match of the 2020 IPL on 19 September.
Rajasthan's first match will be against Chennai on 22 September. Whether England all-rounder Ben Stokes will be available for the Royals remains in the balance. He is currently with his ill father.
