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Watson fit for next IPL home game

Royals skipper expects to make IPL return against Chennai Super Kings after hip concern

Shane Watson expects to be fit in time for the Rajasthan Royal’s next home game on Sunday after missing his Indian Premier League team’s first three matches.

The Royals captain has been nursing a hip injury, with Australian teammate Steve Smith guiding the team in his absence.

Quick single: Regal Smith crowns Rajasthan victory

“I got hit around the hip during the first training session of the tournament and it has taken a bit of time to recover,” Watson told iplt20.com.

“We are going to travel to Vizag overnight, so it’s going to be touch and go for the next game.

“I will surely be back in the team for our game here against the Chennai Super Kings.”

Image Id: ~/media/4BA29662E83D4DFCB343D66AD031890FSteve Smith bats for Rajasthan // BCCI 

Watson’s return will necessitate changes in the Rajasthan XI, which has remained unchanged to date.

Watson, the only Rajasthan player remaining from the inaugural IPL season in 2008, said he was rapt to see his time undefeated after three matches.  

“I have been very excited about this year because we have a very strong squad.

“It’s great that we have been able to put it together so far.”

Rajasthan are playing their home matches in Ahmedabad and Mumbai this season after their former home ground of Jaipur was taken off the roster.

Watson said it was a challenge adapting to the new venues.

“For us, probably the biggest challenge is not having the home crowd support, more than anything else.

“We have got the players who can adapt to the wicket and the conditions. But the one thing I absolutely loved about playing in Jaipur was that there was proper home crowd support.  

“Today if you came in here, you would have thought it was the Mumbai Indians’ home game. We have to find a way to get the crowd behind us a little bit more because you definitely feel it on the field.”