Indian Premier League: I Worked Hard on my Batting and Bowling Yorkers, says Shane Watson

After masterminding Rajasthan Royals' nine-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders with an all-round show to take them into the play-offs, Shane Watson has said that he had worked hard ahead of the crunch game. (IPL 2015 complete coverage | Points Table | Stats)

"I performed very well. I am relieved. I have not scored as many runs as I wanted to, got decent sort of starts before fading away. One thing is (the advantage) of 3-4 days (break) to prepare for this crucial game. (Shane Watson answers Rajasthan's SOS calls)

I just spent a couple of training sessions to try and get my batting to where I can strike the ball more cleanly. I had spent the last couple of days bowling yorkers too," said Watson at the post-match press conference at the Brabourne Stadium. (KKR messed it up, says Gautam Gambhir)

Watson fired Rajasthan to an imposing total of 199 for 6 with a dominating 59-ball innings of 104 not out, his first century in the tournament and the fourth by all batsmen, spiced with five sixes and nine fours. (Shah Rukh Khan watches IPL in Mumbai after three years)

He then turned in a fine bowling display as well to take 2 for 38 as KKR stumbled and ended at 190 for 9 to lose the make-or-break game.

"I have been working really hard on my bowling and trying to be effective in T20 cricket. Obviously, the injury at the start of IPL meant I could not do much skill work to execute my yorkers and change of pace as well.

The last couple of days were the first time that I concentrated on getting the few balls right. Under pressure I executed my yorkers pretty well," said the Australian all-rounder.

"Batting through 20 overs was more physically than mentally taxing. My body certainly is more used to the high temperatures (now) than during the first couple games that I played," Watson added.