Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Shane Watson has issued a heartfelt apology to the franchise’s fans for his performance in the 2016 IPL final at an event hosted by Presidency University, Bengaluru.
Watson, who played for RCB in the 2016 and 2017 seasons following a successful spell of Rajasthan Royals from 2008 till 2015, looked back to this vital match where RCB narrowly missed out on the IPL trophy.
The climax of the 2016 season however saw a remarkable turn of events as RCB made it to the play-offs and finally reached the finals. However, their hopes were dashed by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the summit clash, where RCB’s bowlers struggled, allowing SRH to post a formidable 208/7 in 20 overs. Watson was notably off his game, conceding 61 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket. His woes continued with the bat, where he managed only 11 runs off 9 balls, contributing to RCB’s narrow eight-run defeat.
“I need to profusely apologize tonight to all the RCB fans,” said Watson.
“The reason why I need to profusely apologize is because of that IPL final that took place at Chinnaswamy Stadium in which my preparation had been very good but on that day I had one of worst bowling performances ever known. And I most probably cost RCB winning that IPL.”
Despite losing out in the final encounter though, Watson enjoyed an impressive campaign with figures which read as; twenty wickets at less than twenty five amidst sixteen matches. Overall he made significant contribution towards RCB’s campaign that year but it was his last appearance which left indelible mark on him and his followers.
Watson’s candid apology underscores how much pressure players put themselves under and how deeply they care about competing; acknowledging fan disappointment shows respect for others and a love of sports.
