[Watch] "Probably cost RCB winning that IPL" - Shane Watson apologizes to Bengaluru fans for his dismal showing in IPL 2016 final vs SRH
Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Shane Watson apologized to the franchise's fans for potentially costing them the IPL title in 2016 during a recent event at the Presidency University in Bengaluru. The Aussie played for RCB in 2016 and 2017 after a successful tenure with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) from 2008 to 2015.
RCB enjoyed a sensational second half of the IPL 2016 season to qualify for the playoffs and eventually the final. However, in the summit clash against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), the RCB bowlers fell apart, allowing their opponent to pile up a massive 208/7 in 20 overs.
Watson was arguably the biggest culprit in RCB's woeful bowling display, finishing with figures of 0/61 in 4 overs. He also struggled with the bat during the run-chase, falling for a 9-ball 11 as RCB fell short by 8 runs.
Here is a video of Watson apologizing to RCB fans for his dismal showing in the IPL 2016 final 8 years later:
He said:
"To all the RCB fans here tonight, I need to profusely apologize. The reason why I need to profusely apologize to RCB fans is because 2016 IPL final at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. I was prepared as well as I could. I was hoping to perform my very very best, but I had one of the worst performances when it comes to the bowling perspective in the final. And I most probably cost RCB winning that TATA IPL."
Despite the debacle in the final, Watson enjoyed an impressive 2016 IPL season with the ball, finishing with 20 wickets at an average of under 25 in 16 games.
During his illustrious career, the champion all-rounder was a vital cog in two title runs with Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2008 and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2018.
RCB will look for a first IPL title during the upcoming 2024 playoffs
RCB are in sparkling form entering the IPL 2024 playoffs, winning consecutive games to finish off the league stages.
After languishing at the bottom of the table for the first half of the season, RCB staged a stunning comeback to finish 4th and qualify for the knockout stages. The side are yet to taste the ultimate success of winning an IPL trophy despite making three final appearances in 2009, 2011, and 2016.
However, the task will be daunting as RCB will have to win three straight games in the Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the final to break through and hoist their maiden IPL trophy. They will take on RR in the Eliminator at Ahmedabad on Wednesday, May 22.