Rajasthan Royals would miss key performer Ravindra Jadeja in third edition of the Indian Premier League, but the team has enough resources to lift the title, according to skipper Shane Warne.
"Jadeja had performed very well in the first edition and even for the country he was doing well. Yes, he will be missed but we have others like Abhishek Jhunjhunwala who can stand up and perform," Warne said.
Jadeja's hope of playing in the event went up in smoke after the IPL governing council turned down his appeal against a one-year ban, which was imposed for negotiating a contract without informing his side.
The Australian spin legend said they would start the season as underdogs and that would work to their advantage.
"Nobody gave us chance in the first IPL and despite that we emerged the champions. This time too, we are having the same feeling and the team has a bunch of youngsters who can help us win the title once again," the leg-spinner added.
Sounding a warning to all other teams, Warne said they are ready to surprise rivals with their own brand of game.
"After two years of competition the teams are predictable but there is always an element of surprise. We did it in IPL-I and that was our brand of cricket.
"The other teams copied it, which proves that our brand was successful. This year too, we have a number of options and that might be used as secret weapons," Warne said.
Asked about his own bowling, Warne said: "I have been hit for many sixes. In Test matches too I was hit for the maximum sixes but had maximum number of wickets too. I don't mind being hit for sixes as long as I keep on taking the crucial wickets."
Under Warne's captaincy, the Rajasthan team won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2008 but finished an unimpressive sixth last year when the event was organised in South Africa.
The Australian said they will try to capitalise on home support while taking on tough opponents Mumbai Indians.
"It (Jaipur) has been lucky for us. We won all the seven outings here in IPL-I and we would be playing here against the tough teams like Mumbai Indians, who have Sachin Tendulkar and many other great players. It would give us confidence to take them on here which has lovely outfield and nice pitch."
Warne also hoped that South African captain and opening batsman Graeme Smith will give the team good starts.
"He has arrived in Mumbai and would be joining the squad. He is eager to play in IPL again. Smith was instrumental in giving us a good start earlier and we hope he will continue to do so this time also.
"Besides, Shane Watson is the best all-rounder in world today. But we will miss him for few matches as he will be available only in the latter half. But we have Damien Martyn who is also one of the finest all-rounders," he said.
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