Watch: Shane Watson apologizes to RCB fans for costing them IPL 2016 final, video goes viral

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson recently went down the memory lane of his time with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise in the 2016-17 season.

In the middle of a warm reception at an event at the Presidency University in Bengaluru, Watson took a moment to address a regret from the 2016 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, a campaign that still hurts RCB fans and players alike.

As the former cricketer engaged with the crowd, promoting his book “The Winner's Mind Set,” he used the opportunity to address the elephant in the room. With humility, the former RCB star offered a heartfelt apology to the franchise's fans for his subpar performance in the 2016 final.

“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 M 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 came to the bowling perspective in the final. And I most probably cost RCB winning that IPL,” he said.

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RCB to face RR in Eliminator of IPL 2024

The 2016 edition of the cash-rich league was a rollercoaster ride for RCB, as they had a dream run that saw them charge into the finals against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). However, their hopes of clinching their maiden IPL trophy were shattered in the summit clash, with SRH posting a total of 208/7, courtesy of Ben Cutting's blitz.

Watson's contribution to that fateful night wasn't much to be desired, as he conceded 61 runs from his four overs and has a negligible contribution of 11 with the bat.

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In that particular season, the Bengaluru-based franchise won six out of their last seven matches, which helped them qualify for the playoffs. After eight years, the then Virat Kohli-led side accomplished something similar. Despite a dismal start, where they lost six consecutive matches and found themselves at the bottom of the table, they made an incredible turnaround.

With six wins required to keep their hopes alive, the 2016 finalists won all their remaining games, becoming the fourth team to qualify for the playoffs. They will face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator 1 clash, scheduled for May 22 in Ahmedabad.