16 April,2009 08:34 AM IST | | Clayton Murzello
Shane Warne has his share of unfinished business in South Africa. It was here where he was deprived of a chance to be part of an Australian team to taste their second World Cup win in 2003. Though he returned for the Test series in 2006, he has not figured in a limited overs competition in SA since 2002.
Excerpts from an
interview:
Shane Warne
Do you see the IPL generating the same kind of interest with it being held in SA?
Absolutely. I expect it to follow on from the base built in India last year. It is sad that it won't be held there this year, but South Africa is still a hugely cricket-loving nation and I am sure that they will come out and support the tournament.
The games are also being televised which will ensure that the Indian population still get their fix of the entertainment
What kick do you get by playing the IPL?
I have certainly enjoyed the opportunity to play in this tournament, and captain such an amazing team. With teams comprising of experienced international players and new young talent this format offers players an experience previously not available to them, and gives youngsters an opportunity to learn and grow from their teammates.
There's quite an injection of new players; teams have got smarter and more selective in extracting expertise. All this can contribute to Rajasthan Royals' increased challenge of defending the title...
We will be following the same format that proved to be successful last yearu00a0'our team is all about going out there and giving our best' and most importantly having fun!
You couldn't play the 2003 World Cup in SA. Do you see the IPL as a good opportunity to give something back to the SA cricket followers?
Hopefully, playing in SA in the IPL tournament will give the South Africans an opportunity to get behind the Rajasthan Royals and support me for the first time. It will be a change to get out there and bowl a ball without being booed!
Your favourite SA ground?
I played my 100th Test match at Newlands in Cape Town, and so that will always be special to me. I do however generally love playing cricket in SA, the people and place are great and I have made some really special friends here.
