Dubai Royals are set to face Pune Panthers in a crucial World Legends Pro T20 League 2026 clash on January 31 at the 1919 Sportz Arena Cricket Stadium in Goa. The Royals currently occupy fifth place on the points table, having secured just one victory from three outings. With the tournament entering a decisive phase, they will be keen to capitalize on this encounter and add valuable points to their tally. A strong performance could significantly boost their standings and keep their qualification hopes firmly intact.

Shane Watson led Pune Panthers, meanwhile, find themselves struggling at the bottom of the table, hampered by a disappointing net run rate and inconsistent performances. With only two matches remaining in their campaign, the Panthers are under pressure to deliver immediate results. They will be desperate to stage a comeback, regain confidence, and string together back-to-back wins. Anything less could spell the end of their journey in the competition and dash their aspirations of reaching the final.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2026: What should be India’s opening combination?

WLP T20 League 2026, Match 11, DR vs PP: Live Streaming Details

WLP T20 League 2026, Match 11, DR vs PP: Probable Playing XI

Dubai Royals:

Kirk Edwards, Peter Trego, Manvinder Bisla (WK), Ambati Rayudu, Samit Patel, Parvez Rasool, Piyush Chawla (C), Rishi Dhawan, Chris Mpofu, Fidel Edwards, Amit Verma

Pune Panthers:

Shane Watson (C), Martin Guptill, Robin Uthappa (WK), Upul Tharanga, Samiullah Shinwari, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Asad Pathan, Amit Mishra, Ishwar Pandey, Ankit Rajpoot

Pune Panthers will square off against Rajasthan Lions in Match 9 of the World Legends Pro T20 League 2026 at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Goa on Friday, January 30. Led by former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson, the Panthers have had a mixed start to their campaign. They opened with an impressive four-wicket victory over Gurugram Thunders but were brought back to earth with a heavy 59-run defeat against table-toppers Delhi Warriors. Watson and his men will be eager to regain momentum and strengthen their position in the standings.

Rajasthan Lions, captained by former England skipper Eoin Morgan, are currently placed third on the points table, sitting just above Pune Panthers. Like their opponents, the Lions have registered one win and one loss from their opening two matches, but boast a superior net run rate. They began their campaign with a defeat to Maharashtra Tycoons before bouncing back strongly with a convincing win over Dubai Royals. With both sides evenly matched, this encounter promises to be a closely contested battle.

See Also: Watch: Rishabh Pant and his friends give candies to local children ahead of IPL 2026

WLP T20 League 2026, Match 9, PP vs RL: Live Streaming Details

WLP T20 League 2026, Match 9, PP vs RL: Probable Playing XI

Pune Panthers (PP):

Shane Watson (C), Martin Guptill, Robin Uthappa, Upul Tharanga, Shamiullah Shinwari, Dwayne Bravo, Faiz Fazal, Rahul Yadav (WK), Amit Mishra, Ankit Rajpoot, Abhishek Sajuka.

Rajasthan Lions (RL):

Eoin Morgan (C), Naman Ojha (WK), Callum Ferguson, Suresh Raina, JP Duminy, Ben Cutting, Angelo Perera, Abhimanyu Mithun, Jesal Karia, Bipul Sharma, Anureet Singh.

The Kolkata Knight Riders have strengthened their support staff by the appointment of former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson as their new assistant coach for the Indian Premier League season 2026. The international experience of the two-time World Cup winner comes along with leadership, skill in T20s, and KKR's goal to reclaim their place among the league’s top contenders.

Watson was part of the Australian national team and had a highly decorated playing career, the latter included 59 Tests, 190 ODIs, and 58 T20Is, over 10,000 international runs, and more than 280 wickets taken in different formats. He was a major contributor in Australia’s ICC World Cup victories of 2007 and 2015 and also assisted the team in winning the Champions Trophy in 2009 with his all-round ability. His adaptability and very close match temperament made him one of the most reliable performers of his time.

Watson's connection with the IPL is very important too. He was one of the league's first superstars as he won the Player of the Tournament award during the first 2008 season while helping the Rajasthan Royals win the title. Watson played 145 matches over 12 IPL seasons, scored four centuries, and had stints with teams like the Royal Challengers of Bengaluru and the Chennai Super Kings, winning the trophy with both RR and CSK.

ALSO SEE: Ajinkya Naik elected unopposed as Mumbai Cricket Association president 2025

The Kolkata franchise set to welcome a two-time World Cup champion with experience and tactical depth

After retiring in 2020, Watson took up coaching and mentoring roles in different T20 leagues around the globe. He has been given accolades in the coaching circles for his ability to develop young players and give tactical advice.

Watson talked about his appointment and said he was very excited about being a part of the KKR team. “It is a huge honour to be associated with such a legendary team as the Kolkata Knight Riders. I have always been very impressed with KKR fans' passion and the team's dedication to being the best. I am very much looking forward to working together with the coaching team and players so that we can bring another title to Kolkata,” he expressed.

Venky Mysore, KKR CEO, greeted the Australian star and he pointed out the importance of Watson’s presence in the environment. “His experience and understanding of T20 cricket are at the top level and we are very eager to see him contribute in the different aspects of the game including on and off the field.”

Watson has become part of head coach Abhishek Nayar’s staff and with that KKR has their goal of acquiring another IPL trophy by creating a strong and all-rounded backroom unit.

Former CSK star Shane Watson has made a big prediction about IPL 2025. He said that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will win the IPL trophy this year. He also predicted that Virat Kohli will win the Player of the Match award.

It is important to note that RCB finished second in the league stage with 9 wins out of 14 matches. They secured a total of 19 points and reached Qualifier 1. This is the first time in 9 years that RCB has made it to the top 2.

Shane Watson said that this is a golden chance for Bangalore to win the title. He believes that the return of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will give a big boost to the team during the playoffs.

Looking at the team's performance, cricket experts believe that RCB might finally win their first IPL trophy after 18 years. Now, Shane Watson has also made a big prediction. He said RCB will win the title this year and Virat Kohli will be the Player of the Match in the final.

Also Read - Five longest sixes in the history of cricket

Watson shared a video on his X handle and said, "The winner of IPL 2025 will be RCB. I have been thinking about it for a long time. The Man of the Match for me is Virat Kohli. I think this is RCB’s time."

Watson also said that the team had some bad news near the end of the tournament when a few players got injured and had to be replaced. But with Josh Hazlewood returning for the playoffs, he feels this is RCB’s year to win.

In 2016, Shane Watson was part of the RCB team and played in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad. In that match, he gave 61 runs in four overs while bowling and scored only 11 runs while batting. RCB lost the final by 8 runs. After that, Watson also apologised to RCB fans.

IPL 2025: Former Australia international Shane Watson feels it was a poor decision from Rohit Sharma that caused Team India to finish the World Cup 2023 as only a runner-up team. Watson was doing his commentary work during the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Gujarat Titans match (SRH vs. GT). GT clinched all three points with a solid bowling performance by Mohammed Siraj. According to Watson, if Sharma had utilized Siraj in the 2023 Final properly, India could have been the champions.

Read More: IPL 2025: KKR vs LSG – Eden Gardens stadium stats and Preview

"If Siraj had been bowled in the power play in the 2023 World Cup final, he could have dismissed Head much earlier. It was such a blunder decision from Rohit," Shane Watson said.

India was against Australia in the World Cup 2023 final. The Rohit Sharma-led side was full of confidence as they were the undefeated unit in the tournament. Travis Head played one of his career's best for Australia to shatter the dreams of crores of Indian cricket fans. With his 137 (120), Australia flawlessly got the runs they desired. When Siraj dismissed Head in 42.5 overs, it was too late for India, as Australia had already put the better hand on the game. In the WC 2023 final, Siraj bowled for only 7 overs, took the wicket of Head, had a 6.43 economy rate, and slightly better figures than Mohammed Shami, who was then at the top of his game. Watson feels if Siraj were allowed to bowl early, the table could have been turned.

Siraj's IPL 2025 performance so far

Two back-to-back man-of-the-match performances from Mohammed Siraj. Yesterday was a sweet homecoming for the Indian pacer, who knocked 4 Sunrisers Hyderabad batsmen out only for 17 runs. Siraj is currently on cloud nine after his inspiring bowling figures in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. In Hyderabad, last night the right-arm bowler took 4 wickets, and in Bengaluru, against RCB, he claimed 3 scalps in his four-over quota.

Despite new wicket conditions and away match pressure, Siraj was able to keep his mind cool and deliver, which has produced 9 wickets in 4 IPL 2025 matches so far. Once a regular part of Team India, he was later dropped from the team due to lack of form. Now the scenario has changed completely; Siraj, through his match-winning knocks, has become a fan favorite and a potential contender to make a Team India comeback.

A number of top-ranking cricketers scored some classical runs, setting the platform for some unforgettable moments in the high voltage of IPL clashes. Virat Kohli has made a league-best score of 1053 runs, whereas MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Faf du Plessis have also been pivotal to the success of both the teams. The battle of two superpowers is hosting lots of tense situations, with every match becoming the latest chapter of IPL history.

Virat Kohli-The Leading Run-Getter:

The iconic Virat Kohli had been the top run-scorer in CSK vs. RCB matches with 1053 runs to his name. The consistent century-maker and the aggressive batsman who has treated CSK bowlers as his nightmare all along. There is no doubt that Kohli's fantastic performances have been the reason for some amazing moments like centuries and fifties and also for his dominance.

Most runs in CSK vs RCB IPL matches

1053 - Virat Kohli
765 - MS Dhoni
616 - Suresh Raina
519 - Faf du Plessis#IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/kLXOzwi46l

— CRIC INSIGHTS (@Insights4Cric) March 28, 2025

Also read:GT vs MI: Match 09 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

Other Batting Icons in the CSK-RCB Rivalry:

• MS Dhoni-With 765 runs, Dhoni has played some of the most memorable finishing knocks in this rivalry, guiding CSK to victory on multiple occasions.
• Suresh Raina-the iconic player from the Chennai Super Kings—has made 616 runs in this rivalry, demonstrating his aggressive approach and that he is a big-game player.
• Faf du Plessis,having played for both CSK and RCB, has registered 519 runs, showcasing his adaptability and consistency.
• AB de Villiers-The bold batting of AB de Villiers, undoubtedly, was giving RCB a lot of wins over CSK.
• Shane Watson represented both teams at different times, and he gave an unforgettable inning in the 2018 IPL final by scoring a century for CSK.
• Ruturaj Gaikwad-As a fast-rising star for CSK, Gaikwad made a huge impression in the previous seasons by playing a lot of classical shots in a very fluent manner.

With these batting giants shaping the CSK vs. RCB rivalry, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling battles in future IPL seasons.

Also read:IPL 2025: Sara Ali Khan to light up Guwahati as IPL celebrates 18 glorious years

Shane Watson, the former Australian all-rounder, has suggested that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ought to be very careful ahead of their clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk during IPL 2025. He is of the opinion that, while RCB walked away with a comfortable victory over Kolkata Knight Riders, it is nothing compared to the harder tackle awaiting them at Chennai.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge for RCB to go to Chepauk, especially with how difficult the bowlers tend to make it for CSK. RCB will probably have to make changes to their team in order to meet CSK's demands. But do not get me wrong – Chepauk is a fortress,” said Watson.

Watson, who has represented CSK and RCB, noted that the finest feature of Chennai is the abundance of spinners. "CSK’s entire setup is built around playing well in Chennai. Just watch the three spinners who steamrolled MI in their opening game – Ashwin, Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad. On that pitch, they are going to be a real handful." He also commended Noor Ahmad for his impressive performance during his CSK debut, remarking that this will certainly raise the morale of the team by providing another reliable wicket-taker.

Ex-CSK Star Warns RCB Ahead Of IPL 2025 Clash: "Make No Mistake..." #CSKvRCB #IPL2025 https://t.co/RULCCMfyUS

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) March 27, 2025

Also Read: New Zealand captain out of Pakistan ODIs

In the meantime, Watson noticed the difficulties in the spinning department of the Rajasthan Royals and pointed out the absence of quality options against KKR. He believes that spin will play a crucial role in this season’s IPL, especially at venues like Chepauk, where teams like CSK thrive.  

With RCB heading into this challenging encounter, all eyes will be on how they adapt to the spin-friendly conditions in Chennai.

The Indian Premier League has not only provided a platform for young players but has also allowed some out-of-turn careers to resurrect themselves after injuries or even a slow phase. There have been countless names over the years who have taken benefits out of IPL to reignite their careers, catching the eye of the national team, thereby slowly gaining back their lost legacy. Here is a brief about a few biggest names who have turned around their careers, thanks to the IPL.

1. Shane Watson (Australia)

Before joining the Rajasthan Royals in the first season of the IPL in 2008, Shane Watson struggled with injuries and inconsistencies in international cricket. However, his all-round performances in the IPL renewed him into relevance, which included winning the Player of the Tournament award in 2008. He then went on to become a mainstay once again for Australia and later slayed in the 2018 IPL final with a match-winning century for Chennai Super Kings.

2. Robin Uthappa (India)

Robin Uthappa's on-and-off relationship with the Indian national unit was cleared up by his IPL success, putting him back in the spotlight. He represented multiple franchises, but his best was in 2014 with the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he won the Orange Cap and helped KKR win the title. It was this performance in the IPL that saw a brief return for him to the Indian team.

3. Chris Gayle (West Indies)

Before the 2011 IPL, this West Indies player lost his central contract and, in the auction, didn't find a buyer. And then Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) called him a replacement player, and the rest is history. He thrashed the league, culminating in the 175 off 66 balls in 2013, for the highest individual T20 score. His IPL resurgence also saw him returning to the West Indies squad, where he became the winning captain of the 2016 T20 World Cup.

4. Dinesh Karthik (India)

Dinesh Karthik's career has been marked by multiple comebacks, with each of them largely glamorous and IPL nursed. They achieved their greatest delight, owing to IPL 2022, with RCB, wherein he played the finisher role and forced his way back in to India's T20I squad for the T20 World Cup 2022.

Also Read: Shoaib Akhtar Raises His Concerns On PCB Missing The Champions Trophy Ceremony

5. Pat Cummins (Australia)

Pat Cummins had been tormented by injuries throughout the early stages of his career, forcing him onto the sidelines for years. In 2020, he was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹15.5 crore, and his performance in IPL assisted him in getting his mojo back. Later, he became Australia’s Test captain and led them to more than one ICC trophy.

6. Rahul Tewatia (India)

Before he hit five sixes in one over against the Punjab Kings in IPL 2020, Rahul Tewatia was an unknown name; he became an overnight sensation when his consistent performance for Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans surely made him one of the top Indian all-rounders in the IPL.

Shane Watson is demonstrating that class is permanent with his scorching performances in the International Masters League T20 (IMLT20). The Australian all-rounder of the past has been in sublime touch, scoring three hundreds in a mere four games, and he is the best performer of the tournament till date.

A Tournament to Remember

Watson, captain of Australia Masters, began the tournament with a spectacular century against West Indies Masters. Following a rare failure against Sri Lanka Masters, he came back in style with an unbeaten 110* against India Masters. Two days later, he carried on his dream run with another masterful innings against South Africa Masters.

The Old Canon is Still Blasting 💛🔥.
Shane watson in Master League

107(52) vs WI
110(52) vs Ind
122(61) vs SF#mastersleague pic.twitter.com/PNt4k6sER1

— Muthu Nanda (@ItsNanda02) March 7, 2025

Unstoppable Against South Africa Masters

ALSO SEE: Winning The IPL Trophy With RCB Will Be Perfect Farewell For Virat Kohli Says De Villiers

In Sunday's battle at Vadodara, Watson again asserted his strength with a massive hammering of an unbeaten 122 off 61 balls. The innings comprised nine boundaries and nine mighty sixes, driving Australia Masters to the massive total of 260/1. That was their second successive 250+ total and reflected their grip on the championship.

A Partnership to Remember

Against India Masters, Watson had already demonstrated his capacity to hold an innings together while going at will. In that game, he put on an unbroken 236-run stand with Ben Dunk, who blasted an explosive 132* off a mere 53 balls. Together, their heroics enabled Australia Masters to amass 269/1, setting the stage for their continued dominance in the league.

Legends Leading the Way

Watson's captaincy has been crucial to the success of Australia Masters, but he is not the only cricketing legend leading his team in the competition. Jacques Kallis is captain of South Africa Masters, while cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar is at the helm of India Masters. Tendulkar, in keeping with his image, has already scored a few eye-catching innings, entertaining the crowd through the tournament.

What's Next?

With Watson on a red-hot streak, Australia Masters has become one of the prime title challengers. Cricket fans will be waiting with bated breath to find out if he can maintain this phenomenal streak and guide his side to championship honors as the event unfolds.

One thing is for sure, Shane Watson is proving to the world that the fire in his stomach still burns hot, and he is still one of the most entertaining cricketers to watch.

Cricket fans witnessed a remarkable performance as Ben Dunk and Shane Watson delivered a batting masterclass, both scoring centuries and building a massive 236 partnership against the Indian Masters. Their incredible display powered their team to a commanding total, setting a challenging 270-run target.

Batting Domination at Its Finest

Right from the start, Dunk and Watson looked in complete control, playing with intent and aggression. They paced their innings perfectly, balancing caution with powerful stroke play.

TWIN HUNDREDS from Shane Watson and Ben Dunk against the INDIA MASTERS.pic.twitter.com/vC3FbeIBXR

— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) March 5, 2025

Ben Dunk, known for his explosive batting, showcased his ability to find the boundary with ease. His clean hitting and fearless approach put pressure on the bowlers from the outset.

𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐱𝟐! 🤯

Ben Dunk and Shane Watson put on a masterclass with 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟎+ 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝! 👏

📺 Catch it LIVE NOW ➡️ @JioHotstar, @Colors_Cineplex & @CCSuperhits! 📲#IMLT20 #TheBaapsOfCricket #IMLonJioHotstar #IMLonCineplex pic.twitter.com/gJFQ2h50hJ

— INTERNATIONAL MASTERS LEAGUE (@imlt20official) March 5, 2025

Shane Watson, bringing years of experience to the crease, played with composure and authority. His innings were a combination of classic cricketing shots and calculated aggression, ensuring his team maintained momentum throughout.

ALSO SEE: David Miller stuns with fastest Champions Trophy century in late fun

A Record-Breaking Partnership

Watson: 110* (52 Balls, 12 Fours, 7 Sixes)
Dunk: 132* (53 Balls, 12 Fours, 10 Sixes)

Ben Dunk and Shane Watson dazzled with centuries, leading to a 200+ partnership and setting a 270-run target against the Indian Masters. 🔥🏏 #ShaneWatson #IMLT20 #cricketchallenge pic.twitter.com/LY5sWG7bEv

— Syed Sami (@SamiSocial) March 5, 2025

Their 200-plus run stand was a display of precision and dominance. They rotated the strike efficiently, found the gaps with ease, and dispatched loose deliveries to the boundary. The Indian Masters bowlers had no answers as Dunk and Watson dictated the pace of the game.

By the time their partnership came to an end, their team had posted a massive total of 270, leaving the Indian Masters with a tough chase ahead.