Shane Watson, who scored a valiant 80 runs for the Chennai Super Kings in the finals of the just concluded Indian Premier League (IPL), batted all the way with a bleeding knee. This was revealed by Watson’s teammate Harbhajan Singh on Instagram stories on Monday.
The photo posted by Harbhajan on Monday showed the Australian on a bent knee, flaying a ball through the off-side. In the image, one can see a large patch of blood on Watson's left thigh. On the story, Harbhajan said that the opening batsman wasn't going to be stopped by the wound.
"Can you guys see the blood on his knee," Singh wrote. "He got 6 stitches after the game... got injured while diving but continue (sic) to bat without telling anyone."
"That's our @srwatson33, almost pulled it (off) for us last night," he added.
Reacting to Harbhajan’s story, the social media handles of Chennai Super Kings took to praise the batsman, and said that his kneecap was their cup.
WHAT DEDICATION?! THIS IS GOD LEVEL! You are one of a kind, champ! #WattoMan #KNEEngaVeraLevel #WhistlePodu4Ever #Yellove #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/0e6SycCSAu
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 13, 2019
The emotions that all the #yellove hearts are going through makes us #believe in one thing! Watto's knee cap is our cup! #WhistlePodu4Ever @ShaneRWatson33 #WhistlePodu
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 14, 2019
Watson's dedication left fans stunned, who called a "champion forever".
This is how you set examples for the next generation who are Watching the sport. Every action was by choice, not by chance. Take a bow @ShaneRWatson33.
— Saravanan Hari (@CricSuperFan) May 13, 2019
Proud fan of @ChennaiIPL forever. Shane Watson, Watto Man !! pic.twitter.com/hBd0Y8gjva
Heartbroken ....
— AnaND 2.O (@ItzAnand__) May 13, 2019
What a Player He Is ...
Absolute Champion #ShaneWatson
Blessed to have this Man @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/a37g8NWUMJ
Always loved seeing Shane Watson play. That has gone up to another level after knowing what kind of dedication he showed to his team yesterday.With blood flowing from his knees , which required 6 stitches later , Watson hammered 80 against the best bowling line up of the IPL.#CSK pic.twitter.com/xN8DgwrX85
— Anish Ancil (@anishancil) May 13, 2019
Shane Watson , you will be my Champion forever . You stood between victory and defeat for #CSK and gave your best while your knee bled. The hitting against Malinga and Krunal was just insane and it's value increases manifold after knowing this .#WatsontheLegend https://t.co/QYbhMhxb8n
— Anish Ancil (@anishancil) May 14, 2019
This Sacrifice is equal to 1000 cup for us! @ShaneRWatson33 #WattoMan #WhistlePodu4Ever Huge Respect For #ShaneWatson @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/k9cMLv4YDG
— Saravana Kumar (@rSaravana_kumar) May 14, 2019
@ShaneRWatson33 Dear Shane Watson, huge respect for you bro, for playing a splendid innings in IPL Final, despite your injury, I take a bow to you and wish you a speedy recovery. See you next year bro.
— Sriram K (@Sriram89351466) May 14, 2019
Watson almost proved the saviour during Sunday’s cliffhanger chase, playing a sensational 59-ball knock in an almost one-man show as CSK tried to chase down Mumbai's 8/149 on Sunday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The Australian almost pulled off the miracle to win the fourth IPL trophy for the Yellow Brigade, who fell short by just one run.
Watson fought valiantly for Chennai but couldn't take his team over the line as CSK was bowled out for 148 with Lasith Malinga brilliantly bowling the final over defending 8 runs off it, to see his side clinch the IPL title for a record fourth time.
With IANS inputs