Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson on Tuesday confirmed he will joining Delhi Capitals as the assistant coach for Indian Premier League 2022. Watson took to social media and said he is leaving to India to join the Capitals ahead of IPL 2022.

Shane Watson will link up with his former teammate Ricky Ponting who continues in his head coach role at the Delhi franchise. Watson, in a video message, said he is excited to begin a new chapter in coaching and that he couldn’t have had a better opportunity than learning from Ponting.

“Really excited to share the news that I will be leaving for India this week to begin a role as assistant coach of @delhicapitals. Can’t wait to be back in the change rooms with my great mate Ricky Ponting,” Watson said in a post on Instagram.

“The IPL, the best T20 tournament in the world. I have incredible memories as a player and now coaching opportunities have come. To be able to work under the great Ricky Ponting. He is an amazing leader as captain and now he is one of the best coaches in the world. For me to be able to learn the ropes under Ricky, I am really excited.

“Now is the time for Delhi Capitals to win their first title. They have a great squad,” Watson added.

Watson, who was an integral part of Shane Warne’s title-winning Rajasthan Royals team in the inaugural edition of the IPL, played the league until 2020. Watson played a key role in helping Chennai Super Kings win the IPL title in 2019 but after an ordinary season in the UAE in 2022, Watson brought down the curtains on his playing career.

Watson played 145 matches and hit 3874 runs, including 4 hundreds, in his 13-year-long career in the IPL. He also picked up 92 wickets, proving to be one of the finest all-rounders to have played the league.

Delhi Capitals, who reached the final in IPL 2020 and the play-offs last year, will be hoping to continue their good run and go a step further in IPL 2022. The Rishabh Pant-led side will open their campaign against 5-time champions Mumbai Indians on March 27.