IPL 2020: CSK Batsman Shane Watson Lauds MS Dhoni, Fleming For Standing By Him, "Only World Class Leaders Do That"

IPL 2020: Chennai Super Kings's Shane Watson appreciates MS Dhoni for backing him even during times when he wasn't at his best.

IPL 2020: With 9 days ahead of CSK's first face-off with Mumbai Indians in the opening match of IPL 2020 the yellow team's top batsman Shane Watson has lauded the leadership skills of MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming and for backing him during the last IPL season. Also Read|WATCH: MI Skipper Rohit Sharma's Smashes Towering 95-metre Six Which Lands On Rooftop Of Moving Bus In Abu Dhabi Watson struggled to get going and had no half-century until the 11th match when he smashed a 53-ball 96 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He then made a fighting 80 off 59 in the final, before he was run out in the final over with CSK losing to Mumbai Indians by one run. Speaking on the Nabeel Hashmi's youtube show, Shane Watson said, "Last year, certainly CSK stuck with me through thick and thin. In every other team that I've been in, I may have been dropped a couple of games before I got the runs against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Just them backing me, knowing my next few good innings were around the corner... Only world-class leaders will really stick by and have the confidence to do that, given the caliber of the players we've got." That was great learning for me as well, to be honest, to show that if you believe in someone, you believe in their ability, because you've seen what they've been able to do time and time again and that they will come good at some stage. It worked out well as I was able to contribute, not in the final, I got run out in the last over, but up until then, I got as close." Watson added that he had always admired Dhoni and Fleming's approach to the game even when he was an opposition player. Also Read|IPL 2020 Anthem Copied? Song Composer Pranav Ajayrao Malpe Refutes Rapper KR$NA's Claims "CSK had full faith in me, they're an incredible franchise to play against," Watson said. "When I played for Royals against Chennai, I always admired Stephen Fleming, and MS as well, the way he carried himself on and off the field. To be able to play at CSK and experience the way the franchise is run incredibly well from top-down was a very special experience. I do feel fortunate to have this part of my career of the IPL in the last few years, to play for a franchise that looks after everyone so unbelievably well." CSK has received few setbacks even before the tournament has commenced as the Chennai Super Kings key players Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh have pulled out this season citing personal reasons. CSK's seamer Deepak Chahar who tested positive for coronavirus has recovered and has returned back to his team at UAE. Fans are excited to watch the opening match of CSK vs MI on 19th September.