
Watson at Unicorns:
The San Francisco Unicorns finished their season in the MLC with a loss in the Eliminator, falling short by two wickets to MI New York. Despite the loss, the Unicorns had a record-breaking season, winning their first six games.
Shane Watson, the head coach, attributes the team's success to their aggressive style of play and the mental toughness instilled in the players.
Watson emphasizes the importance of fielding intensity as a measure of team spirit. He believes that the Unicorns' fielding standards set them apart.
Watson's coaching philosophy centers around building a strong team culture and empowering players to perform at their best. He works closely with each player, helping them understand their mental strengths and weaknesses.
He uses a mental skills workshop to introduce players to the importance of mindset in cricket. He believes that understanding how the mind works is crucial for success.
Watson sees his role as not just a coach, but as a mentor who helps players develop both on and off the field. He wants his players to leave the Unicorns as better cricketers and individuals.
He chose to coach the Unicorns because it was a new franchise with the opportunity to build a strong foundation from the ground up. He believes in trusting the cricket experts and allowing them to make decisions.
Watson is particularly proud of Sanjay Krishnamurthi's development. He recognizes Krishnamurthi's talent and has helped him refine his mental approach to batting.
Watson's coaching techniques have evolved over time, but his core philosophy remains the same: to help players unlock their full potential by understanding and managing their minds.