Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower delivered an emotional dressing room speech after his team successfully defended the IPL title with a victory over Gujarat Titans. Flower praised the character, courage, and commitment shown by his players throughout the season, especially during the playoffs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets after chasing down a target of 156 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 31. Captain Rajat Patidar chose to bowl first after winning the toss, and Virat Kohli guided the chase with an unbeaten 75 to help RCB secure a second consecutive IPL trophy.
What Stands Out Most Is The Bravery Shown By Everyone - Andy Flower After IPL 2026 Triumph
In a video shared by RCB, Andy Flower praised the courage and determination shown by players throughout their title-winning campaign. The head coach said that success at the highest level requires more than skill and cricket intelligence.
"When I look back at our season, especially the last couple of playoff games, what stands out most is the bravery shown by everyone in this group. There have been countless examples of it. At the highest level - whether it's Test cricket, World Cups, or the IPL - you need skill and cricket intelligence, but you also need heart. We have seen that in abundance this season, and many of you have embodied it."
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮”: Andy Flower to Virat Kohli ❤️
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 1, 2026
Coach Andy uncut. From highlighting top performances, to wishing the young guns. Here’s a special from Andy’s dressing room talk. 🎥😇🤩
Thank you, Coach! 🫡
To be… pic.twitter.com/QHGI6xCmLP
RCB's success was built on a strong team culture developed under Flower over the past three seasons. The franchise worked to create a more united dressing room by reducing the gap between senior and younger players and ensuring that every member of the squad had a clearly defined role.
'Virat Kohli, you're the heartbeat of RCB dressing room' - Andy Flower
Andy Flower reserved special praise for Virat Kohli after RCB's IPL 2026 title triumph. The head coach highlighted Kohli's influence in the dressing room and said his willingness to take responsibility in high-pressure situations sets an example for the entire squad.
"Virat, I know you get a lot of attention, and rightly so. But I don't want to overlook the impact you have on this dressing room. You are heartbeat of this dressing room. The courage you continue to show by putting yourself on the line and taking on top-quality opposition is a fantastic example for all of us. The same can be said for many others in this group."
Kohli once again played a key role in RCB's title-winning campaign. He finished IPL 2026 as the franchise's leading run-scorer with 675 runs and ended the season with an unbeaten 75 in the final against Gujarat Titans.
The Way You Have Led The Bowling Unit Has Been Outstanding - Andy Flower Praises Bhuvneshwar And Hazlewood
Andy Flower praised Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood for leading RCB's bowling attack throughout the IPL 2026 season. The head coach said their experience, skill, and composure were crucial to the team's success in pressure situations.
"Bhuvi and Hoff, the way you have led the bowling unit has been outstanding. You have done it with skill, intelligence, and immense heart. To bowl in the powerplay and at the death against world-class batters takes real courage. I have tremendous respect for both of you, and I am very grateful to have players like you in this dressing room."
Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood played key roles in RCB's title-winning campaign. The veteran Indian pacer finished as the second highest wicket taker in the tournament, with 28 wickets at an average of 17.89 and an economy rate of 7.95.
Also read: RCB cancel Bengaluru victory celebrations after IPL 2026 triumph amid stampede concerns
