RCB's Mo Bobat Emphasizes Humility as Team Prepares for IPL 2026 Defense
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, has called upon the squad to set aside any ego stemming from their historic Indian Premier League triumph last year and approach the upcoming season with a renewed sense of humility. Speaking at a pre-season press conference in Bengaluru on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Bobat highlighted the importance of starting afresh as the team gears up for IPL 2026.
Leaving Baggage Behind: A Fresh Campaign Mindset
Bobat drew parallels to the previous season, noting that just as RCB shed the burden of 17 years without a title in 2025, they must now avoid carrying the ego of that success into the new campaign. "This is a new campaign. A bit like last season, we weren't carrying the baggage of 17 years. This year, we're not carrying the ego of one year of success either. We have to start with humility," he stated. He expressed relief at having secured the maiden trophy, which allows the team to focus forward without constant questions about past failures.
Addressing the long-standing narrative of RCB's title drought, Bobat offered a nuanced perspective. He pointed out that franchise cricket's transient nature, with players frequently moving, means not everyone in the squad carries the same emotional weight. "I'm not sure I would describe it as a jinx. Franchise cricket is so transient and players come and go. Whilst our fans and the franchise might have been chasing that elusive trophy for 17 years, that isn't the view of the world of everybody involved," he explained. Bobat, in his second season with RCB, emphasized his fresh energy and optimism, a sentiment he believes resonates with much of the squad.
Unique Emotional Journeys and Stadium Adjustments
However, Bobat acknowledged the unique experiences of long-standing players like Virat Kohli, who has been with RCB since 2008. "Virat's quite a unique case in point. Obviously, he's done the whole journey and he's ridden the highs and lows of many years. So, for him personally, it was quite an emotional outpouring at the end of that (2025) final," he recalled, describing the moment as beautiful, especially with former icons like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle present.
The celebrations were tempered by a tragic stampede on June 4, 2025, near the stadium that claimed 11 lives, leading to logistical changes for IPL 2026. RCB's home matches will now be split between Bengaluru (5) and Raipur (2). Bobat admitted this posed a distraction, preferring clarity early in planning. "It was probably a bit of a distraction, because you want to have clarity. I prefer to try and assemble teams that can adapt to any surfaces and conditions," he said, noting the IPL's varied grounds already require tactical adaptability.
Injury Concerns and Workload Management Challenges
RCB faces a setback with key pacer Josh Hazlewood sidelined for at least the initial part of IPL 2026 due to injury. Hazlewood, who took 22 wickets in the title-winning campaign, is undergoing a return-to-play program in collaboration with Cricket Australia. Bobat expressed hope for his swift return but highlighted the broader issue of congested cricket schedules. "It's probably a symptom of the congested cricket schedule, isn't it? Any of us who follow cricket know how challenging that is on a domestic level, but also an international level," he remarked, sympathizing with other teams facing similar issues.
He called for balanced workload management, stressing that both under-bowling and over-bowling are detrimental. "It's a bigger question that cricket has to grapple with. Even if I think about my previous role working with England, many hours, many days and many months you spend trying to understand fast bowling and the demands," Bobat detailed, suggesting the sport may not fully comprehend these pressures or that current workloads are unmanageable.
Confidence in Phil Salt Despite Recent Form
Bobat also addressed concerns about England opener Phil Salt, who had a disappointing T20 World Cup ahead of the IPL, scoring just 130 runs in eight matches. Downplaying the worries, Bobat pointed to Salt's high global rankings and his positive partnership with Virat Kohli. "Someone like Phil Salt is still ranked in one of the top. Not recently, but top two or three T20 batters in the world. So there's enough depth of confidence there. He also really enjoys being with RCB, his partnership with Virat," he asserted, expressing confidence that Salt will perform well at the start of the season.
As RCB embarks on their title defense, Bobat's message is clear: humility and adaptability will be key in navigating the challenges of IPL 2026, from injuries and scheduling to emotional legacies and logistical hurdles.
