RR vs RCB: Watch - Shane Watson 'profusely apologizes' for RCB's IPL 2016 final defeat, takes full blame

Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson made a surprising and heartfelt apology to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans during an event at Presidency University in Bengaluru, as the Faf du Plessis and his brigade are gearing up for the IPL 2024 Playoffs.

Watson expressed his regret for his underwhelming performance in the final of the IPL 2016 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The RCB had suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the high-octane clash, and the David Warner-led SRH won the summit clash by just seven runs to clinch their maiden IPL trophy.

Shane Watson issues heartfelt apology to RCB fans

This remains a significant moment for the RCB as the franchise continues to wait for its first IPL title. Well, Watson's performance in the IPL 2026 final was notably poor, as he conceded 61 runs in his four overs, and then, batting at number five, the former all-rounder could score just 11 runs off nine balls and failed to steer the RCB team to win over the RCB.

Watson’s costly spell allowed SRH to post a formidable total of 208/7. In reply, despite impressive half-centuries from Chris Gayle (76) and Virat Kohli (54), the RCB could only manage 200/7. Now, eight years after the defeat, Watson addressed the RCB fans, who welcomed him with an enthusiastic 'RCB! RCB!' chants at Presidency University in Bengaluru.

During the event, the former RCB all-rounder apologized to the fans for his poor performance in the IPL 2016 final while acknowledging their unwavering support for the franchise despite the fact that they have not yet won the trophy. He also expressed his regret for not delivering a good performance in the final against SRH.

I had one of the worst performances in the IPL 2016 final: Shane Watson

But this year RCB can end their trophy drought, as the Bengaluru-based franchise qualified for the IPL 2024 playoffs from the brink of elimination from the lucrative T20 league and stunned one and all with their aggressive gameplay.

RCB were at the bottom of the points table with six matches to go, and they made a stellar comeback and won six games on the trot to book their place in the IPL 2024 playoffs while kicking off the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Meanwhile, Shane Watson said at an event at the Presidency University in Bengaluru: “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.”

Watch Here:

Shane Watson apologising to RCB for the 2016 Final. 🥹❤️

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Notably, RCB will face the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the eliminator of the ongoing IPL 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, May 22. The winning team will face the loser of Qualifier 1 between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and SRH in Qualifier 2 in Chennai on May 24.