Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) head coach Andy Flower gave an emotional dressing room speech after his team successfully defended the IPL title with a win over Gujarat Titans. Flowers praised the character, courage and commitment shown by his players throughout the season, especially during the playoffs.
Royal Challengers Bangalore Defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets while chasing the target of 156 runs at Narendra Modi Stadium on 31 May. Captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and chose to bowl first and Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 75 runs to help RCB clinch their second consecutive IPL trophy.
What stands out is the bravery shown by everyone – Andy Flower after IPL 2026 win
Andy Flower praised the courage and determination shown in a video shared by RCB player During their title-winning campaign. The head coach said success at the highest level requires more than skill and cricket intelligence.
“When I look back at our season, especially the last few playoff games, what stands out the most is the bravery shown by everyone in this group. There are countless examples of that. At the highest level – whether it’s Test cricket, the World Cup, or the IPL – you need skill and cricketing intelligence, but you also need heart. We’ve seen that in abundance this season, and many of you have embraced that.”
Virat Kohli to Andy Flower
Coach Andy not cut. From highlighting top performances to wishing good luck to the young guns. Here is Andy’s exclusive conversation from the dressing room.
Thanks, Coach!
Happen… pic.twitter.com/QHGI6xCmLP
– Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 1, 2026
RCB’s success was based on a strong team culture developed under Flower over the last three seasons. The franchise worked to create a more cohesive dressing room by reducing the gap between senior and youth players and ensuring that each member of the team has a clearly defined role.
Also read: Watch: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar’s funny reaction to Krunal Pandya’s heartwarming ‘5 trophies’ gesture
‘Virat Kohli, you are the heartbeat of the RCB dressing room’ – Andy Flower
Andy Flower gave special praise to Virat Kohli after RCB’s IPL 2026 title win. 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 team.
“Virat, I know you get a lot of attention, and rightfully so. But I don’t want to overestimate the impact you have had on this dressing room. You are the heartbeat of this dressing room. The courage you continue to show by putting yourself on the line and facing 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 an important 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 led the bowling unit is excellent – 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 that his experience, skill and composure were vital 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 big hearts. It takes real courage to bowl in the powerplay and in the death overs against world-class batsmen. I have huge respect for both of you, and I am very grateful to have players like you in this dressing room.”
Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood played important roles in RCB’s title winning campaign. The experienced Indian fast bowler was the second highest wicket taker in the tournament with an average of 28 wickets. 17.89 and economy rate 7.95.
Also read: RCB cancels Bengaluru win celebrations after IPL 2026 win amid stampede concerns
