IPL 2017: Shane Watson admits to feeling guilty about letting RCB down
What’s the story?
Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Shane Watson confessed that the tenth edition of the IPL has been extremely disappointing for him, but he also added that he would do everything in his power to ensure his team win their final game against Delhi Daredevils on Sunday.
“I did everything I possibly could to give myself the best chance for performing well for Royal Challengers this year, just it didn't work. This year, for me personally, it hasn't been good at all but also for the franchise - things haven't gone exactly to plan at all and it's been very disappointing for everyone, Watson was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
“More than anything, what I feel the worst about is letting the team down, especially being an all-rounder. That has been the most disappointing thing for me – letting Virat (Kohli), Dan Vettori (the coach) and the franchise down, because RCB have looked after me incredibly well over the last two years,” Watson told Wisden India.
In case you didn’t know...
RCB have only two wins in the season so far, and if they lose their last game, they will equal the worst performance by a team in IPL history. Against KKR, they registered the lowest total in IPL history as well when they were dismissed for just 49.
The heart of the matter
In many ways, it seems that Watson is struggling to make the transition from international to freelance cricket. The all-rounder bid goodbye to international and first-class cricket in March 2016, and has since featured only in Twenty20 leagues around the world.
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The Bangalore wicket was very different this year to what it normally is and that is one of the main reasons behind the team’s struggles.
What’s next?
RCB will play their last game of the season against Delhi Daredevils at the Kotla in Delhi. Even if they win, they will still finish bottom of the table in what has been an extremely disappointing campaign.
Author’s Take
Watson will be eager to put on a better performance in the Caribbean Premier League, which will be his next assignment after the IPL. The classy player that he is, his form will not desert him for much longer.
However, it is not just Watson’s failings that have led to the team’s downfall. Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have all failed as well and for a team that relies on their batting, this is simply unacceptable.