I am lost for words as I write this because my friend Warnie…the great Shane Warne, is no more.

I am gutted. Shocked beyond belief. 

He is a name that will stay with me forever because he played a massive part in putting the Indian Premier League (IPL) on the world map. His bowling style, leadership tactics and everything about him was genuinely top-notch.

Making history came naturally to the man. I will never forget that he was the first name that went up for a bid in the first-ever IPL auction and when he was sold for USD450000, he created history just like that! However, he was no stranger to making history. He innovated and negotiated the captaincy and coaching role with the Rajasthan Royals. With his exploits in Test cricket, he had earned greatness already, but with the IPL, he went several notches higher, showcasing his fantastic leadership skills.

First, he went to the Rajasthan Royals, who were the team sold for the lowest price in the IPL. Second, they put together a side that did not have many stars but a bunch of determined youngsters and a solid sprinkling of proven international performers. So naturally, Warnie was the biggest star in that line-up.

Warne actually used the Moneyball concept that champions the use of advanced statistics and analytics to drive decision-making within teams to script an unbelievable triumph in the tournament is something that I will never forget. It was all down to Warnie’s leadership because he showed that sides with no star power, apart from him, of course, could also win titles. He had the right leadership skills and believed in his players tremendously. He embraced the Moneyball strategy and customized it for cricket to show that the game can be narrowed down to data that supports profit.

All through, he never forgot the human intervention in strategy and didn’t fall prey to just data. His approach was simple and old-fashioned, but he was simply outstanding when he got down to business. The first season of the IPL became a massive hit because of Brendon McCullum’s opening burst with the bat and Warnie’s leadership. The way he battled odds to beat all in the IPL inaugural season is something I reminisce fondly about.

IPL is more than a billion-dollar baby today; the first season heroes, especially Warnie, had a lot to do with creating the story around the tournament. India and IPL will forever be indebted to the champion for his commitment year after year. Remember, he had retired from the game in 2007, but he stayed on to play the IPL. That in itself is a huge statement and a massive vote of confidence that he had in the product. As the founder of the IPL, I am always indebted to Warnie for that vote of confidence. 
Warnie’s side surprised one and all by winning the IPL in 2008, but it did not surprise me one bit because I could see the fire in his eyes. He wanted to show all the doubters back in Australia that he could lead a side and could be champion. He achieved that target quite remarkably in the first season of the IPL. From thereon, the IPL has not looked back. My mate Warnie had a significant role.

Even off the field, Warnie was my mate, my confidant. We spoke just a day earlier and had some exciting business plans. I will still make it happen for him.

Warnie, you have gone too soon, my mate. Am sure you will be watching the IPL and its growth from up there somewhere.

RIP Warnie!

Forever your friend

Lalit Kumar Modi

Follow my thoughts on IPL 2022 through my Twitter account @lalitkmodi and Insta account @lalitkmodi