It's been 16 years since that memorable win, and the Royals' trophy cabinet remains untouched
The Rajasthan Royals' (RR) fairy tale victory in the inaugural IPL season 2008 remains one of the most remarkable moments in the tournament's history. Led by the charismatic late Shane Warne, the Men in Blue (now Pink) defied expectations and clinched the championship, marking their entry into IPL history books as the first-ever champions. Their exhilarating three-wicket triumph over the Chennai Super Kings, led by MS Dhoni, in the final at the DY Patil Stadium, showcased their unwavering determination and skill.
However, it's been 16 years since that memorable win, and the Royals' trophy cabinet remains untouched. In the meantime, let's explore what some of the first IPL champions are up to nowadays.
Shane Warne during a commentary on the Ashes
Shane Warne's inspirational captaincy led the Rajasthan Royals to clinch the first-ever IPL trophy. In the final, his guidance, alongside Sohail Tanvir, secured victory, with Warne contributing an unbeaten nine runs. With 57 wickets in 55 games, Warne was a dominant force on the field, showcasing his bowling prowess and strategic insight. During the inaugural season, he secured 19 wickets across 15 matches with an economy rate of 7.76, positioning him as the second-highest wicket-taker. Warne bid farewell to the IPL after the 2011 season, leaving a lasting legacy with the Rajasthan Royals. His sudden death in March 2022 left the cricketing world in mourning.
Shane Watson's remarkable all-round performance was pivotal in the Royals' triumph in the inaugural IPL season. As the fourth-highest run-scorer with 472 runs in 15 matches and claiming 17 wickets at an economical rate of 7.07 runs per over, he proved his prowess with both bat and ball. Watson left a legacy of excellence with RR until 2015 and bid farewell to his international cricket career after the T20 World Cup in 2016. Despite retiring from professional cricket in 2020, he is currently involved in the sport as a commentator, showcasing his insights and expertise.
Graeme Smith provided a solid start, setting the stage for success. Smith scored 441 runs in 11 matches at an impressive average of 49.00. After retiring from international cricket in March 2014, Smith transitioned into the administrative side. He served as the director at Cricket South Africa from December 2019 to April 2022, pivotal in shaping South African cricket's future. Now, Smith serves as the commissioner for the SA20 League initiated by Cricket South Africa in 2023.
Mohammad Kaif's IPL stint with the Rajasthan Royals in 2008 needed to meet expectations. He scored only 176 runs in 14 innings with a strike rate 102.92. Released from the Royals squad after the 2009 season, he joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2012 but couldn't replicate his earlier success. Despite his efforts, Kaif retired from cricket in July 2018. Today, he contributes as a cricket analyst and commentator.
Former cricketer and TMC candidate Yusuf Pathan campaigns in Haridasmati, Murshidabad, West Bengal, during an election rally
Yusuf Pathan's aggressive approach yielded 435 runs in 15 innings at an astonishing strike rate of 179.01 in 16 games for the Royals. Beyond his IPL success, Yusuf also joined the Indian cricket team that clinched the 2011 World Cup. After leaving RR in 2010, he served Kolkata Knight Riders from 2011 to 2017. In February 2021, Yusuf Pathan bid farewell to his cricketing career. Now, Yusuf Pathan has entered politics and is set to contest the 2024 Indian general election from the Baharampur, West Bengal (Berhampore) Lok Sabha constituency, representing the Trinamool Congress.
