This is the reason why Shane Watson is not bowling for CSK in IPL 2020

The Chennai Super Kings made an excellent comeback in Dream11 IPL 2020 as they thrashed the Kings XI Punjab by ten wickets. They had beaten the Mumbai Indians in the first match of the season, but after that victory, they went on a 3-match losing streak. 

Fortunately, their Australian opener Shane Watson fired all cylinders in the game against KXIP as CSK won the game without losing a single wicket. While CSK is in a decent position on the points table now, the fans still have questions in their mind. 

One of them is why Shane Watson is not rolling his arm in the IPL 2020 season. In case you didn't know, Watson had not bowled a single ball in the previous season of IPL as well. One should understand that Watson has passed his prime now, and the fact that he can still bat well highlights how much he has worked on his fitness. 

During a post-match presentation interview of the match between CSK and DC played in IPL 2019, Watto had said that he would not bowl much in that season because of a calf injury that he picked up in the Big Bash League. He was only fit enough to bat. 

Stephen Fleming had also said the following words about Watson’s bowling in the 2019 season. 

“We think he’s valuable at the top. He was the top run-scorer in Pakistan [Super League]. I think he bowled only one over because he had to. So, he hasn’t bowled for some time. And we don’t want to risk him through this tournament, especially when we’ve got six good bowling options anyway.”

Watson also had an extended break from cricket because of the pandemic. Thus, since the Chennai Super Kings have enough bowling options in IPL 2020, plus their batting is a bit weaker this season, it is unlikely that the team management would take the risk of an injury by allowing Watson to bowl. The all-rounder is 39 now and one should enjoy his batting as long as he plays.