Get addicted to titles, defend IPL crown in 2026: Director Mo Bobat tells RCB

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Director of Cricket Operations Mo Bobat has urged his team to get addicted to winning titles and wants the franchise to defend their IPL title in the next season. RCB lifted their maiden IPL title after a long wait of 18 years as they bested Punjab Kings in the final by six runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

Only Chennai Super Kings (2010, 2011) and Mumbai Indians (2019, 2020) are the two IPL teams which have successfully defended their IPL title in the past.

Meanwhile, RCB were able to end their title drought as they came up with a collective effort throughout the season. More importantly, RCB had a potent bowling line-up, which was able to deliver for the franchise.

“I am gonna ask you to really make sure that we get addicted to this feeling of winning. Because this is a start. Not many teams have won back to back IPL titles. It has happened twice before. Next year, we will have a final in Bangalore and we will go again. So get addicted to the feeling tonight. Because it’s that feeling which then drives the hunger to go again next year.”

“It’s that addiction to winning, winning that trophy and sharing these moments which spurs us on and drives us on. We will be back next year and win that trophy again,” Bobat told the team members in a dressing room speech shared by RCB on social media.

Bobat hailed the team’s performance throughout the season as special and said the long wait has been worth it after facing so many disappointments.

“This is without question one of the most anticipated trophies in world sport. When we think about what our fans have gone through, when we think about what Virat has gone through all those years. It’s a hugely anticipated trophy and the magnitude of that will hit us. When I talk about what we have gone through this season, one word comes to my mind: Special. The way we have played has been special. That’s inspired people. When we think about games we clawed us back into, the aggressive nature of our cricket is special. Environment and culture of the team helps you win and that’s what we have achieved,” Bobat said.

Bobat hailed the collective effort of the team in the season and also praised the side for winning consistently on the road.

“Everybody contributed. There were away wins. That’s a special thing we ticked off. Something other teams have not done before. Think about the disruptions we had. When everybody went home. How we pulled back and had a restart. Injuries and all sorts of things we fought back. In the years to come, could be tomorrow, could be weeks or years to come. When you see somebody from this room, you will know that you have shared this season together. That’s the most special feeling. That’s what sports is all about. That’s what winning the trophies is all about,” he concluded.