WATCH: Shane Watson apologises to RCB fans ahead of Eliminator, takes all blame for IPL 2016 final defeat in shocking revelation

Aussie legend Shane Watson surprised RCB fans with a heartfelt apology for his performance in the 2016 IPL final, as the team gears up for the 2024 playoffs. Former RCB player Shane Watson took responsibility for his disappointing performance in the nail-biting 2016 IPL final loss against SRH. He expressed his regret to the passionate RCB fans during a recent event in Bengaluru.

While Faf Du Plessis-led RCB chase an IPL title this year, Watson walked down the memory lane, apologizing to the fans for his role in the team's 2016 final loss.

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Watson's performance in the 2016 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) remains a sore spot for both the player and the fans. His four overs proved expensive, leaking 61 runs. Batting at number five, he could only manage 11 runs off nine balls, failing to guide RCB to victory. This underwhelming display ultimately contributed to SRH posting a dominant 208/7. Despite valiant half-centuries from Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli, RCB fell short by eight runs.

Years later, at an event at Presidency University in Bangalore, Watson was met with enthusiastic chants of "RCB! RCB!" from the crowd. He took this opportunity to express his deep regret for his performance in that crucial final. He acknowledged the unwavering support of the fans despite the lack of an IPL title, and offered his apology for not delivering when it mattered most.

While RCB are currently riding a wave of success and have qualified for the 2024 IPL playoffs. They staged a remarkable comeback to win the last six games of the league stage and rocked CSK to storm into the playoffs. 

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While reflecting on his own subpar performance in the 2016 IPL final, Watson, at an event at Presidency University in Bengaluru said:

“First of all to the RCB fans, I need to profusely apologize to the RCB fans because of the IPL Final 2016 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. I was hoping to perform my very, very best but unfortunately, I had one of the worst performances when it comes from a bowling perspective in that final. I most probably cost RCB winning the Final of that IPL. So, I want to apologize.”

 

RCB will lock horns with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a do-or-die Eliminator match on Wednesday, May 22nd, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This crucial clash will determine which team advances to Qualifier 2.

The winner of the RCB vs RR encounter will face the loser of the Qualifier 1 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Qualifier 2, which will be played in Chennai on May 24th, will decide the second finalist. So, all eyes are on Ahmedabad as RCB and RR gear up for a thrilling Eliminator match.

 

Watson still not over RCB's IPL 2016 final loss

 

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