Shane Watson to lead RCB in Virat Kohli's absence

Photo: AFP

New Delhi: Former Australia cricketer Shane Watson will stand in as a captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the absence of injured Virat Kohli. 

Virat Kohli sustained a shoulder injury during the third Test match between India and Australia at Ranchi. Virat’s fitness will be assessed in second week of April and he is expected to miss first four matches for the franchise. 

Earlier, South African talisman AB de Villiers was tipped to lead the IPL side but he was rendered unfit for the first tie against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5.

Watson, the two-time recipient of Player of the Tournament award, has earlier skippered now defunct franchise Rajasthan Royals.

After spending eight seasons with Rajasthan Royal, Watson found a new franchise in RCB who forked out 9.5 crores for his service in 2016.