A blog by ©hinaman

Almost everyone now knows of the
Rajasthan Royals and that ‘old’ wizard of legspin bowling
beating all odds to lead his team to a final match, final ball victory.
But before the tournament started, he and his team were the rank outsiders.
This is what was being said about him:

Too old too slow

SHANE Warne is too old and too slow, according to the bookmakers who have framed the first betting market on the Indian Premier League. Warne’s Jaipur franchise, which has also signed other old legs like Justin Langer, are the $13 betting outsiders to …

He beat the odds, and boy, did he do it in style.
From outsiders to winner – he was the Royal’s winning hand
So what was it …

Magic – luck – gambles – winning hands:

Shane Warne imposed himself. While hailing his leadership skills nobody should forget the value he offered as a player – no other captain played as many match-winning hands.

Warne was also blessed with that enviable quality good captains usually need – luck. He won 10 of his 15 tosses, and even when some of his gambles misfired – like the promotion of Sohail Tanvir up the order – it didn’t cost them too much. The punt on Swapnil Asnodkar came off spectacularly.

And whenever a match went down to the wire, Rajasthan found that extra bit of magic to pull it off.

Now I know why.

A different ‘turn’:

He is also a master of playing the odds and keeping his cards close to his chest. Literally.

Pokernews.com
Online casino 888.com has announced a new celebrity face at their poker tables, that of famous Australian cricketer Shane ‘Warney’ Warne. Warne has signed an exclusive sponsorship to be captain of the 888.com Australian Poker Team…

Warne will be leading his new poker team into four major events: the New Zealand Poker Champs; the 2008 World Series of Poker; the United Kingdom Poker Open; and the Poker Nations Cup.

So if you were one of those who got your sums horribly wrong,
I found this for you. Mr Shane Warne, like I never knew him before.

Just check out that smile, I bet it still gives many a batsman the nightmares.

If you are a Shane Warne fan, a poker player and have as much luck
you could be joining him in Vegas, sadly I only qualify as a fan.
I believe you participate in the daily WSOP free rolls and pre qualifiers, for the prize of

A seat in the Main Event (worth USD$10,000)
Travel from Australia and a 10 nights stay in Vegas
$2,000 cash in for spending money
Invitation to a party hosted by him.

The bottom card:

I found something new about him, I would also like to share.

The Shane Warne Foundation

In the year 2000 I endeavored to start a charity that could make a huge difference to the brave children who suffer an illness or who are underprivileged. The reason I wanted to do this and get involved was because, over the past decade or so, I have met so many brave kids out there, trying to come to terms with whatever it is they might be suffering from, and trying to fight it. Unfortunately, some cannot and its heartbreaking to see these beautiful children struggling.

I am extremely grateful to have 3 wonderful children. Therefore, the simple reason is I want to make a difference – I want more children to smile, don’t you?

Although I can make a difference on my own, it is only a small difference to what a team of people can do together. Every little bit counts, and every single person can help to make that difference. This foundation is very close to my heart and I am very passionate about this cause. I am extremely touched when I see people giving generously, whether it be their time, generosity or by way of a donation to help TSWF enrich the lives of the seriously ill and underprivileged children in Australia.

Team up with me to help the kids,

It is reported his response to his newfound hero status in India was,
“I am still Shane”.

… the royal flush? To me he is – ace high.