IPL 10: Shane Watson assumes role of a leader

Bengaluru: In times of need, there’s always someone who can step up to the plate for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and all-rounder Shane Watson believes he is just the man for the task.

The runners-up of the Indian Premier League 2016 have been beset by injuries to talismanic captain Virat Kohli, who is set to miss the start of the campaign following a crocked shoulder, and key batsman K.L. Rahul for the entire season with a shoulder injury. Watson, who was RCB’s marquee signing in 2016, remained optimistic about his side’s chances ahead of the revenge tie against the defending champions Hyderabad Sunrisers.

“Of course it’s not ideal to have Rahul and Kohli out. They are two great players and it’s going to be challenging for us. We have Sarfaraz Khan, Mandeep Singh, Kedar Jadhav and Sachin Baby. So we are very fortunate to have such quality depth. We will definitely miss those guys, but with the depth we have we should be okay,” he noted.

While the extent of Kohli’s recovery will be judged on Saturday, there is concern surrounding the explosive AB de Villiers’ back problems. The South African is being monitored after pulling out of the final of a domestic tournament in his home country and was set to lead the side in Kohli’s absence. With his place also in doubt, it would appear that there might be a crisis of leadership in the side. Watson, who is likely to be captain in de Villiers’ absence, thinks otherwise.

“I am always there to help anyone I can whenever possible. Whoever is leading, I am there to help the bowlers out especially. That’s what I do anyway.” the all-rounder argued, adding that his role might change in light of the shake-up.

“I have got more chances of batting up the order which is what I have done in the majority of my career. I am ready to bat anywhere but if I get a role to bat up the order, I will certainly enjoy doing that as well.”

RCB will need to find an additional gear if they are to go one step further than the 2009, 2011 and 2016 editions and Watson seeks to pick up where the team left off last year.