Jadeja’s absence won’t hurt Royals, says Warne

Jadeja’s absence won’t hurt Royals, says Warne

Jaipur: Rajasthan Royals would miss their star performer Ravindra Jadeja in the third edition of the Indian Premier League which starts from March 12, but Shane Warne thinks that team has enough arsenal to lift the title for the second time in three years.

“Jadeja had performed extremely well in the first edition and even at the international stage he is doing very well. He would be definitely missed but we still have the likes of Abhishek Jhunjhunwala who can perform well and prove themselves on this stage,” Warne said.

Jadeja’s hope of playing in the event went up in smoke after the IPL governing council turned down his appeal against a one-year ban, which was imposed for negotiating a contract without informing his side.

The Australian spin legend said they would start the season as underdogs and that would work to their advantage.

“Nobody gave us chance in the first IPL and despite that we emerged the champions,” the leg-spinner added.

Sounding a warning to all other teams, Warne said they are ready to surprise rivals with their own brand of game.

“After two years of competition the teams are predictable but there is always an element of surprise. We did it in IPL-I and that was our brand of cricket.

“The other teams copied it, which proves that our brand was successful. This year too, we have a number of options and that might be used as secret weapons,” Warne said.