Shane Warne to retire after the current IPL season

Bye-bye Warnie!: This Indian Premier League will be the last Professional Cricket tournament for Shane Warne.

There have been a lot of surprises piled under the ‘breaking news’ section over the last few days with players making comebacks, new appointments of captains, coaches etc. and here is one more: this edition of the Indian Premier League will be the last Professional Cricket tournament for Shane Warne.

“Yes this is my last year playing IPL – please come down and support RR last 2 home games v chennai & Bangalore! We need your help!!!!,” the legendary leg-spinner said in his twitter feed.

Shane Warne retired with figures 705 from 143 test matches and 293 wickets from 194 one-day internationals.

He has been leading the Rajasthan Royals in all the four editions of the IPL. He led RR (which was the cheapest-bought squad then) to a memorable victory in the inaugural edition of the IPL. The likes of Yusuf Pathan and Ravindra Jadeja (who even represented the Indian team later), were brought under the sun only during his tenure.

He is one of the most respected cricketers for the way he mentored the youngsters around with his proactive captaincy.

“RR have always promoted youth and Indian cricket has been the winner – I’ve had a great time – but it’s time to say goodbye to IPL..,” he tweeted.

This meant the leg spinner is left with 4 to 7 games to go before he bids adieu to cricket. The number of games will depend on how RR advance to the next stages in the tournament.

RR are placed in the fourth position right now with 11 points, with 4 games to go. If the Rajasthan Royals reach the finals, Warne would be playing 6 or 7 games depending on where they are placed in the league table and their performance in the semifinals.

Warne also thanked all those who have helped him through his ups and down and hoped that he has entertained them to satisfactory levels.