How RCB avoided a title hangover in IPL 2026: Mo Bobat explains the chasers' mindset

Attributing the team’s impressive IPL 2026 campaign to what he described as a “hunter’s hunter”, Royal Challengers Bengaluru director of cricket Mo Bobat said the franchise was determined to avoid complacency after winning its maiden title last season.

RCB have been one of the standout teams this year, becoming the first team to qualify for the playoffs with 18 points from 13 matches. With one league match remaining against Lucknow Super Giants on May 22, Bengaluru are still fighting to finish at the top of the table.

During the third edition of the RCB Innovation Lab India Sports Summit, Bobat said the franchise had consciously worked on a mental reset after last season’s triumph.

“I didn’t want it to feel like we were climbing Mount Everest. We just wanted to keep climbing, keep hunting,” Bobat said.

“We’ve been talking that language internally, just trying to stay in the hunter’s mind. For me and even the older players, being able to adapt quickly and reset the mindset for what’s coming next is really important.”

Bobat explained that one of the biggest challenges after winning a title is to stay motivated and prevent complacency from creeping into the locker room.

“Sport is ruthless. You win a trophy and the world moves on very quickly,” he said.

“You have to balance being happy with what you’ve achieved while shifting your focus to what’s next. We’d like to go all the way again this season, but there are no guarantees.”

Managing personalities in the IPL is not easy

Bobat also spoke about the complexities of managing a diverse IPL dressing room that features international stars, senior Indian players and young cricketers entering the league for the first time.

“You could have a 19-year-old on his first IPL contract next to someone in his thirties who has done everything in the game,” he said.

He also pointed out that auction values can sometimes distort perceptions within units.

“What players earn doesn’t necessarily reflect their value. Sometimes a younger player will earn more simply because that particular skill set is in demand.”

According to Bobat, the challenge lies in aligning each individual to one common goal in a very limited preparation window.

“In the IPL, you get eight to 10 days before the season starts, so it’s not easy to create that kind of alignment quickly,” he added.

Bobat praises Rajat Patidar’s leadership style

Bobat also opened Rajat Patidar’s evolution as a captain, describing him as very different from former captain Faf du Plessis.

While du Plessis prefers to be heavily involved in all aspects of management, Bobat said Patidar focuses more on on-field tactics and trusts the management group with off-field responsibilities.

“Rajat is more trusting. He wants information about the playing XI, but once he crosses the line, he feels his work begins,” said Bobat.

“He became a stronger decision-maker in the middle and did a very good job blocking the noise.”

Bobat added that Patidar has gradually improved in handling strong personalities in the dressing room, including senior players like Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya.

“He continues to develop those leadership skills and it’s been great to watch his development so far,” he said.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

19 May 2026 15:52 IST