<p>Rajasthan Royals appointed star Australian all-rounder Shane Watson the captain of the Jaipur franchise for the upcoming Indian Premier League in place of the retired Rahul Dravid.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Former India captain Dravid, who retired from all forms of cricket last year, will be involved in all aspects of cricket strategy - mentoring the team and guiding youth and talent development initiatives for the franchise, Royals announced here on Monday.<br />“I am honoured to lead the Rajasthan Royals, an extraordinary team which has always given me amazing opportunities,” said the 32-year-old Australian on his new appointment for the upcoming IPL season scheduled to start next month.<br /><br />“(Compatriot) Shane Warne and Rahul Dravid had a lot of faith in me while they were captains and gave me opportunities that helped improve my cricket. I hope to live up to the confidence shown in me by the franchise and give our fans an exciting season of cricket,” he said.<br /><br />“I would like to thank our fans for showing trust in me through their votes on the digital medium. The Royals are one big family and I feel very privileged to be a part of such a special franchise,” he added about the franchise’s initiative.<br /><br />“My aim will be to continue playing our best cricket and maintain the winning momentum,” he said.</p>
<p>Rajasthan Royals appointed star Australian all-rounder Shane Watson the captain of the Jaipur franchise for the upcoming Indian Premier League in place of the retired Rahul Dravid.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Former India captain Dravid, who retired from all forms of cricket last year, will be involved in all aspects of cricket strategy - mentoring the team and guiding youth and talent development initiatives for the franchise, Royals announced here on Monday.<br />“I am honoured to lead the Rajasthan Royals, an extraordinary team which has always given me amazing opportunities,” said the 32-year-old Australian on his new appointment for the upcoming IPL season scheduled to start next month.<br /><br />“(Compatriot) Shane Warne and Rahul Dravid had a lot of faith in me while they were captains and gave me opportunities that helped improve my cricket. I hope to live up to the confidence shown in me by the franchise and give our fans an exciting season of cricket,” he said.<br /><br />“I would like to thank our fans for showing trust in me through their votes on the digital medium. The Royals are one big family and I feel very privileged to be a part of such a special franchise,” he added about the franchise’s initiative.<br /><br />“My aim will be to continue playing our best cricket and maintain the winning momentum,” he said.</p>