Shane Warne has been involved with Rajasthan Royals since 2008, when the franchise won the inaugural IPL under his captaincy.

The legend’s bond with the Royals has only grown stronger since. This year, Test cricket’s second highest wicket-taker (708 wickets in 145 Tests) is in the UAE as team mentor and brand ambassador.

Warne, 51, spoke to The Telegraph about his vision for the Royals from the team base in Dubai.

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The Telegraph: You have been moving from one bio-security bubble to another since the series in England. How have you adjusted to the new normal in the UAE?

Shane Warne: Well, we’re all really getting a lot of work done in the bio-bubble life. Normally, you’d not choose to be in your hotel room and that would be fine, but when you have to stay in your hotel room, it’s a bit difficult. But look it is what it is... it’s important to do this so that everything can go ahead and we can see some IPL action and be involved. So I’m happy to do it.

What is it you think that makes this franchise special?

I feel like I’ve got a spiritual connection with the Royals. Back in 2008 it was just such a wonderful time and every now and then you connect and get involved with something that is super special. The squad we had in 2008 produced some magic and lifetime friendships. I love the Royals and have always been a Royals man. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be back working with the Royals in this capacity and I hope it continues. I hope there’s always a role for me here at the Royals because I’m passionate and just love Rajasthan Royals very much.

As mentor can you describe your role at Royals? Do you get involved with team selection?

My mentor role, it’s a bit different this year. I’ll be sitting in the stands, watching the games, not in the dugout. So I won’t have anything to do with the actual game. I would be watching just like anybody else and then I’ll be sitting with (chief coach) Andrew McDonald and Steve Smith after each game... if I saw anything, then I will talk to them, listen to them and share ideas while adding some of my thoughts. Besides that part, being around during training, motivating the group, helping out individuals in the team, trying to get the best out of them, and helping Andrew McDonald and Steve Smith in any way possible.

You are an inspiration to the Royals players. That way do you think you are better equipped than chief coach Andrew McDonald?

Andrew is very well respected around the cricket family for what he brings to the table. He’s an excellent man-manager, I think he gets a lot out of the team and he has a pretty relaxed environment and lets people be themselves. But if a player needs a kick up the backside, he’s more than comfortable in giving that too. So I think he’s got a nice balance. Then there’s Steve Smith, we know what a wonderful captain and cricketer he is. So it’s a good combination, and hopefully, off the field I can help balance that and help them in some shape or form that will be effective on the field.

You have said Sanju Samson is a special talent. Do you think he has failed to make the national team on a regular basis mainly because of an over-crowded Indian batting line-up?

Sanju should be playing all forms of the game for India. He is such a quality player, he’s shown that class again in the first game and I hope he has a consistent tournament this year. He’s a very special talent and watching him evolve is something else. If he has a consistent tournament, you’ll see him representing India in all forms of the game.

Can Rahul Tewatia develop into an all-rounder. Can he be a match-winner in this format?

Yeah I think he’s fantastic. He’s bowled really well so far with the wet ball in Sharjah and in Dubai. The innings with the bat was just magnificent as well. He can hit the ball cleanly and that can be a big asset for the team. We’re very lucky to have quality spinners in our team... they’re all different, but all very effective. I am looking forward to working with him through this season.

Any spinner who has caught your eye in this IPL?

I think Rashid Khan probably... every time he bowls he is always nice to watch. I think he causes a lot of havoc which brings a smile to my face and I wish he were with us.

The Royals have an academy in the UK (Reed’s School in Surrey). Can we see youngsters from there turning out in the IPL?

Yeah, that’ll be the dream that one day some youngsters from the academy that we have there end up playing for the Royals. We’re looking to spread the word, we’re already popular around the world. We had trips to America planned that I was to go with the owners, trying to spread the Royals brand, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. It will eventually happen when the world opens up again and we can spread the word. It will be Australia, America, UK and then we’ll keep going around setting the Rajasthan Royals academy around the world which will help make us bigger globally.