Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally broke their IPL title drought after 18 long seasons, edging out Punjab Kings in a six-run thriller to lift their first-ever trophy. But for the franchise’s leadership, the title is just the beginning.
“Get addicted to winning”—that was the central message delivered by Director of Cricket Mo Bobat to his players in a powerful post-match speech in the dressing room, in a video shared by RCB on X (formerly Twitter). For Bobat and the rest of the RCB think tank, this victory is not a culmination, but the foundation for a new era of sustained success.
Bobat, in a stirring address to the players and staff, set the tone for what’s next: “We need to enjoy tonight, we have to massively enjoy tonight but get time to look around you and like we have done through the season I am actually asking you to make sure we really really get addicted to this feeling because this is the start.”
The win capped a campaign that overcame injuries, mid-season disruptions, and a fierce playoff race—turning a long-frustrated franchise into champions through resilience and unity.
A team built on belief, unity, and clarity
RCB’s leadership structure—anchored by Bobat and head coach Andy Flower—was key to their title-winning campaign. The duo, who previously worked together at the England & Wales Cricket Board, created a philosophy that was both intentional and adaptive.
“When I think about what we have gone through this season, one word that comes to my mind is special. The way we played has been special, that inspired people,” said Bobat, reflecting on the group’s mindset and approach.
He emphasized how every part of the setup played a role: “Everybody in this room should be incredibly proud of your team, those who played those who haven’t played, every member, staff, content team, everybody it’s a good team effort.”
From role clarity to commitment to a bold style of play, the team rallied around a shared vision. “We think about the game, we think about the aggressive nature of cricket we played, the environment that we created was really special. That’s what gives you these sorts of results.”
The Virat Kohli effect
The moment was particularly poignant for Virat Kohli, who has been with RCB since the inaugural 2008 season and recently retired from Test cricket.
“This is without question one of the most anticipated trophies in world sport and we think about what our fans have gone through, what Virat has gone through for all those years. This is a hugely anticipated trophy,” Bobat said.
He made sure to recognize Kohli’s years of dedication: “I know you don’t like to be singled out, Virat, but thank you for everything as a senior player and an icon player of this team. Everything you have put in over the last 18 years, you deserve this moment.”
Contributions across the board
From seasoned overseas pros to emerging domestic stars, RCB’s success was defined by balance and adaptability.
“Some extraordinary commitments, Salty (Phil Salt) unbelievable you were. For you to do what you have done in the last few days after coming back in, top stuff mate we appreciate that. Hoff (Hazlewood) as well,” Bobat noted.
Rajat Patidar’s leadership also drew praise in the team huddle. “Rajat (Patidar) well done as captain. We didn’t even need to win the toss today.” Bobat also acknowledged the efforts of the support staff, adding, “Quick thank you for the staff, coaches, you have really worked hard especially science and medicine staff.”
Bobat continued: “Getting in top 2 and then finish the job, so much to be proud of and also all the challenges we overcame. Think about the disruption when everybody went home, when he called back everyone got back together. Restart, injuries all those things have challenged us to come together.”
Indian insight makes a difference
One of the standout elements of RCB’s title run was the mix of global experience and deep local cricketing knowledge in the coaching group.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Andy Flower was quick to highlight this: “I think having that Indian insight and knowledge in our coaching staff has been really important for this campaign this year. DK particularly, I think, as mentor and batting specialist, he’s been brilliant. I’ve loved working with him.”
Karthik, one of last season’s key finishers, smoothly transitioned into a mentoring and coaching role. “He’s got great energy. He’s got a smile on his face most of the time. And I think he’s really enjoyed his job this year. It’s quite a transition to make from playing to coaching, and he’s done it amazingly well,” Flower added.
This hybrid approach—global strategy layered with local tactical awareness—was central to RCB’s ability to navigate diverse match situations and opposition.
A call to chase greatness
Bobat made it clear that the goal is now sustained excellence: “Not many teams have won back-to-back IPLs. It happened twice before, next we will have final in Bengaluru and we go again. So get addicted to the feeling tonight. That feelings drives the hunger for addiction to winning and winning that trophy.”
As RCB now shifts its sights to joining the elite group of teams with consecutive titles, the hunger has only intensified.
“I think the magnitude of what we have achieved we will feel in the next few days when we go and see Bengaluru go crazy tomorrow,” said Bobat. “Everyone contributing, it was proper team effort. Everybody contributing in every department. Those away wins were the special things we ticked off, something that other teams haven’t done before.”
“Opps and logistics guys well done, content team. It was a real team effort. Andy, I wanna thank you, you have proven again why the best head coach you are.”
The next chapter begins
With a core of passionate players, a proven leadership team, and a city behind them, RCB isn’t just celebrating—they’re building a new standard.
As Bobat reminded the group: “I want to thank all the players, those who haven’t played as well. As coaches we had a clear picture how we want to play our cricket and we were committed to that fully.”
The message was simple, clear, and powerful—this is not the finish line. It’s the start of something bigger.
