MUMBAI, (Reuters) – Shane Warne will quit professional cricket after the Indian Premier League (IPL) season after tormenting batsmen all over the world for two decades with his leg-spin, an art the Australian helped revive.
The spin great retired from test cricket after Australia whitewashed England 5-0 in the Ashes in early 2007 but continued to play in the cash-rich IPL.
Warne, who took 708 test wickets, has been Rajasthan Royals’ captain/coach in the four editions of the Twenty20 tournament.
“Yes this is my last year playing IPL,” Warne posted on his Twitter account yesterday.
“I will miss the IPL but it’s been fun for the last four seasons… I’ve had a great time — but it’s time to say goodbye to IPL.
“Thanks for kind words re my bowling – but it’s 100 percent my last four games of professional cricket unless we make finals,” the 41-year old added.
The flamboyant leg-spinner, who led Rajasthan to victory in the inaugural IPL, did not rule out a role as a mentor or coach next season.
“I have always tried to be entertaining on the field — cricket to me has never been a job it’s been my hobby,” he said.
“Thanks for all the support you have given me and RR – hope to see you down at the ground. I am going to enjoy my last four games – win please.
“We have a spirit in the squad similar to IPL 1 — it would be great to leave on a high — I’m proud of the way we have developed young players.”
Warne, who also grabbed 293 wickets in one-day internationals, has still managed to spin a web around batsmen with his flight and turn this season despite his advancing years and has taken 11 wickets in nine matches.
Media even called for his recall during Australia’s 3-1 hammering by England in the last Ashes campaign.
Rajasthan Royals are currently ranked fourth in the table with five wins from 10 matches.
