Warne spots future superstars amongst Royals

Shane Warne has praised youngsters Ravindra Jadeja and Dinesh Salunkhe, saying they are superstars of the future.

Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne has heaped praise on youngsters Ravindra Jadeja and Dinesh Salunkhe, saying they are superstars of the future.

“Believe me, with the kind of talent Ravindra Jadeja and Dinesh Salunkhe have shown, they are going to be superstars in the near future,” the Australian spin legend said after the six-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament.

“We had spotted Jadeja right from the beginning and he has shown his mettle in first two matches,” Warne, who also doubles up as coach of his team, said.

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Jadeja, a left-hander smashed a vital 25-ball 36 against an attack consisting of Brett Lee, S Sreesanth, James Hopes and Irfan Pathan.

His 69-run partnership with Shane Watson (76), coming off only 36 balls, sealed the match in the Royals’ favour. Earlier, Salunkhe, a spinner gave away 20 runs in his two overs but claimed the prize scalp of Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene.

“I had said earlier also that we are not weak and inexperience is good sometimes as the youngsters have more passion and energy for the team’s cause,” Warne said.

Man of the match Watson, too, was all praise for Jadeja. “Ravindra Jadeja has amazing talent. He hit a great bowler like Brett Lee nonchalantly and it speaks volumes about his talent.”

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When asked what was his advice to Jadeja during their partnership, Watson said “he was so good that he did not need any advice. He was hitting the ball well and with amazing ease and time in hand. I just told him to watch the ball and play. The way he hit Brett Lee was amazing to watch.”