Published: Nov 06, 2018, 04:44 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 06, 2018, 04:44 PM (IST)
In his autobiography ‘No Spin‘, Australian legend Shane Warne recollects some of the interesting stories during his stint with the Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural Indian Premier League edition including how senior players, who have played for India, expected special treatment.
Taking a dig at India player Mohammad Kaif, Warne wrote that Kaif when up to the reception of the hotel where the team was staying asking for a bigger room, as he was an senior player and Warne diffused the situation saying everyone got the same room…well expect him because he had people to meet.
Warne wrote: “It was Mohammad Kaif, who, unknowingly, brought our attention to something that needed fixing straight away. When we checked into the hotel as Rajasthan Royals group, everyone got their room key and disappeared.
“Minutes later, while I was chatting with the owners in reception, I noticed Kaif go to the front desk and say, “I am Kaif.”
“Yes,” said the receptionist, “How can we help?”
“I am Kaif.” I went over.
“Everything alright, mate?” I asked.
“Yes, I am Kaif.”
“I think they know, who you are, mate, what do you mean? What are you looking for?” Warne asked.
“I have got a little room like everyone else,” Kaif said.
“I said “Right ok. Do you want to upgrade yourself or something?”
“Yes, I am Kaif,” he repeated.
Warne then said that he “knew exactly what he (Kaif) wanted! “I am a senior, an Indian international player, so I get a bigger room,” he meant.
Warne said: “Without trying to be funny, mate, everyone gets the same room. I am the only one with a big room because I have to meet with people.”
“Oh.” And off he (Kaif) walked.
Warne then wrote: “We realised that the senior Indians expected preferential treatment and youngsters were like, you know, ‘pick my bag!’. So I figured that I had to gain the respect of the whole squad of 50 by quickly laying down exactly the same ground rules for everyone.”
