IPL 2026 | Last season's stumble: RCB eye fresh start at home
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BENGALURU: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium this season with renewed purpose — but also with an uncomfortable truth to confront: their home has not quite been the fortress they would have liked.
Despite the deafening support of the RCB faithful, the Bengaluru outfit managed just two wins from seven home games last season, losing four while one was washed out — a record that highlighted their struggles in familiar conditions even as they marched to a maiden IPL title.
This year, with five matches scheduled in Bengaluru and two 'home' fixtures shifted to Raipur, the challenge is twofold: reclaim dominance at Chinnaswamy while sustaining the momentum that powered their title-winning run.
RCB director of cricket Mo Bobat acknowledged the reality but also pointed to the intangible edge of playing in Bengaluru. “It hasn’t always been the fortress we’d like it to be, and we’re honest about that. But there’s something special about playing here,” he said.
“We didn’t get it right at home early last season, but we learned quickly. The aim now is simple: Start this season the way we finished the last one,” he added.
RCB’s long-awaited triumph, however, was tinged with mixed emotions, as the aftermath denied the team a chance to fully celebrate a title 17 years in the making. Reflecting on the moment, Bobat said the victory carried added significance given the journey behind it.
“That title meant a lot. Franchise cricket moves quickly, but when you’ve been chasing something for 17 years, it carries weight. It was only my second season with the team, but you’re very aware of that journey,” he said.
“With someone like Virat, it’s even more special. He’s lived through all the highs and lows with this franchise. Seeing those emotions, along with legends like Gayle and AB being part of it,was genuinely memorable,” Bobat added.
AT HOME IN RAIPUR
RCB will play two of their designated home fixtures in Raipur, which has been identified as a backup venue. Thanking the Chhattisgarh government for its support, RCB CEO Rajesh Menon said the move was facilitated by strong backing, including incentives such as GST rebates.
Addressing the shift, Bobat stressed the importance of adaptability. “I prefer building squads that can adjust to different conditions. That’s one of the beauties of the IPL — every venue demands different tactics, sometimes even different combinations,” he said.
“I don’t have a deep understanding of Raipur yet, but we had an excellent away record last season. We’ll treat these as away games and aim to be just as successful,” he added.
Despite the deafening support of the RCB faithful, the Bengaluru outfit managed just two wins from seven home games last season, losing four while one was washed out — a record that highlighted their struggles in familiar conditions even as they marched to a maiden IPL title.
This year, with five matches scheduled in Bengaluru and two 'home' fixtures shifted to Raipur, the challenge is twofold: reclaim dominance at Chinnaswamy while sustaining the momentum that powered their title-winning run.
RCB director of cricket Mo Bobat acknowledged the reality but also pointed to the intangible edge of playing in Bengaluru. “It hasn’t always been the fortress we’d like it to be, and we’re honest about that. But there’s something special about playing here,” he said.
“We didn’t get it right at home early last season, but we learned quickly. The aim now is simple: Start this season the way we finished the last one,” he added.
RCB’s long-awaited triumph, however, was tinged with mixed emotions, as the aftermath denied the team a chance to fully celebrate a title 17 years in the making. Reflecting on the moment, Bobat said the victory carried added significance given the journey behind it.
“That title meant a lot. Franchise cricket moves quickly, but when you’ve been chasing something for 17 years, it carries weight. It was only my second season with the team, but you’re very aware of that journey,” he said.
“With someone like Virat, it’s even more special. He’s lived through all the highs and lows with this franchise. Seeing those emotions, along with legends like Gayle and AB being part of it,was genuinely memorable,” Bobat added.
AT HOME IN RAIPUR
RCB will play two of their designated home fixtures in Raipur, which has been identified as a backup venue. Thanking the Chhattisgarh government for its support, RCB CEO Rajesh Menon said the move was facilitated by strong backing, including incentives such as GST rebates.
Addressing the shift, Bobat stressed the importance of adaptability. “I prefer building squads that can adjust to different conditions. That’s one of the beauties of the IPL — every venue demands different tactics, sometimes even different combinations,” he said.
“I don’t have a deep understanding of Raipur yet, but we had an excellent away record last season. We’ll treat these as away games and aim to be just as successful,” he added.
