May 20, 2026 17:00 pm IST

Ringside View | How Royal Challengers Bengaluru Transformed Itself Into A Winning Machine

Mo Bobat, RCB's Director of Cricket, helped explain the mindset after the franchise became the first team to qualify for the playoffs this season.

Rica Roy Rica Roy Sports Editor, NDTV 24x7

Rica Roy Sports Editor, NDTV 24x7

"Red and Gold, Play Bold" screamed loud across the serene tracks of the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as one made their way past the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy and the tranquil swimming pool within the complex. Inside were leaders, the makers of RCB, the world of sport, and, of course, the energy magnet - Virat Kohli, who arrived as the final act. In a well-lit foyer leading to the hall of greats and leaders stood giant blowouts of the men's and women's teams that have tasted IPL and WPL success. The women have done it twice; the men are now gearing up to follow suit.

Mo Bobat, RCB's Director of Cricket, helped explain the mindset after the franchise became the first team to qualify for the playoffs this season. "The IPL is a very tough competition. You've got ten fantastic teams who have all played good cricket and have strong records. But we tell ourselves - why can't we be the third team to win back-to-back? That's been our focus. You are always playing this internal game. The obsession is always around how we play our cricket."

"We are always hunting for the best version of ourselves," Bobat said on the sidelines of the summit. "There is a lot more fun chasing something than being chased. We want the players and support staff to understand the mindset we need - that we haven't climbed our Everest yet or achieved everything we set out to. We're only just getting started.

"That doesn't mean we take things lightly or........

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