BENGALURU : Royal Challengers Bengaluru have shifted their focus to defending their Indian Premier League title after an emotional end to last season, head coach Andy Flower said ahead of the 2026 campaign opener.
RCB, who ended a long wait for silverware with their maiden IPL title last year, return to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match.
Flower said the triumph was followed by a difficult period after celebrations were overshadowed by a stampede outside the stadium that left 11 people dead.
“It was very satisfying professionally for everyone, of course, but a really emotional time for all sorts of reasons at the end of last season,” Flower told reporters. “It’s another time, so it’s time to move on from that.”
The former Zimbabwe captain added that the team is mindful of the responsibility that comes with defending the title and representing a globally supported franchise.
“When we go into these jobs and represent our owners and our franchise and each other, that always carries a responsibility and an accountability about how we conduct ourselves,” he said.
RCB and local authorities have introduced enhanced safety measures for the new season, including stricter entry monitoring, phased crowd dispersal and increased medical and security presence. Players will also wear black armbands, while 11 seats will be left vacant in memory of those who died.
Veteran batter Virat Kohli remains central to the team, with Flower praising the 37-year-old’s fitness and mindset after an impressive showing in training.
“He looks very lean, hungry and determined,” Flower said. “Mentally and emotionally he’s in a really good space, and watching him strike the ball in training, he looks right on top of his game.”
RCB will also rely on domestic players under captain Rajat Patidar, while Hyderabad enter the contest with a powerful batting lineup led by stand-in skipper Ishan Kishan.
The visitors boast big hitters including Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and England all-rounder Liam Livingstone but will be without Australia captain Pat Cummins, who is still regaining full fitness.
“The only challenge for him was the bowling loads,” Hyderabad coach Daniel Vettori said. “Probably in the next 10 to 12 days we will know when he can return to play.”
Hyderabad looked sharp in training, with their top order in good touch ahead of the season opener.
