CSK’s unit was rocked by 13 cases of the dreaded disease just weeks before the start of the tournament on September 19, and the roster also included two players.
This resulted in an extended quarantine period and a delayed start to their outdoor training session.
“Having an experienced team means that your players have a better understanding of how they can make their skills run under the pressure of the first game,” Watson said on Nabeel Hashmi’s YouTube show.
Hashmi is the head of player acquisitions at the Quetta Gladiators, Watson’s team at the Pakistani Super League.
The former all-rounder added: “That’s why we think we have a great chance to have a great year because of the quality of the players and the experience we have.
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“We have a better chance of not making a lot of mistakes trying to catch up as quickly as possible.”
As one of the top freelancers in the T20 leagues, Watson has been playing around the world for the past few seasons, and he relies on that experience to shine on his next assignment.
“I’ve been playing T20 tournaments on and off for the past four years,” he said.
“I have more understanding (now), but it’s still challenging to improve your skills.”
Watson also praised CSK’s “world-class” leadership group for supporting him through a bumpy past season.
“The 2018 season was one of my best seasons, it wasn’t just the final (where Watson had a century of victories).
“But last year CSK certainly stood with me through thick and thin. In all the other teams I’ve been on, I may have missed a couple of games before getting the races against him. Hyderabad sunrises.
“Only them supporting me, knowing my next good innings were right around the corner, (it was amazing). Only world class leaders will really stick around and have the confidence to do that, given the caliber of the players we have. ”
Watson called it a great apprenticeship.
On video: IPL 2020: CSK has a great opportunity this season, says Shane Watson
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