Shane Watson rues Royal Challengers Bangalore’s dismal run in IPL 2017

Shane Watson has termed IPL 2017 as the worst of his career after poor performances resulted in Royal Challengers Bangalore ending up with the wooden spoon for the first time-ever in this tournament.

Shane Watson has admitted that IPL 2017 has been the worst of his career. The 35-year-old former Australia all-rounder, who retired from international cricket following the 2016 World T20 in India, has managed just 67 runs in seven games at a miserable average of 11.16. With the ball, he has managed only four wickets at an economy rate of 10.29

Shane Watson has failed with both bat and ball for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2017 as the team languishes at the bottom of the table. (BCCI)

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Watson said, “The biggest challenge for me has been not coming off playing international cricket after which you just go into the flow of the IPL. I can actually learn from this experience so that I’m going to be better prepared for the Caribbean Premier League.” Watson will play for St.Lucia Zouks in CPL 2017.

After his retirement, Watson plied his trade in Twenty20 leagues, including playing for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League. However, heading into the IPL, he was without match practice for one month and this he believes has been the prime reason behind his wretched run this year.

“I did everything I possibly could to give myself the best chance for performing well for Royal Challengers this year, just it didn’t work. I’m always trying to get better. There’s been a bit of soul searching this IPL over how things have panned out for me personally and about how I make sure I do it better in the next tournament,” the right-hander said.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have endured a terrible run in IPL 2017, winning just two out of their 13 games. with just five points, RCB will end up with the wooden spoon for the first time in the history of the IPL. Watson had admitted that the love shown by the fans is the prime factor as they try to end the campaign on a positive note.

“The one thing I’ve realised playing for Royal Challengers the last two years is how incredibly loyal the fans are. Whether that was doing incredibly well last year or this year when we weren’t doing well, but everywhere we went, obviously here at Chinnaswamy, and other parts around India, the support Royal Challengers get is nothing compared to what I’ve experienced before,” Watson said

Royal Challengers Bangalore will play their last league game against Delhi Daredevils at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Sunday.