RCB shift focus to defending title after last season's emotional end, says coach Flower

BENGALURU, March 26 : Royal Challengers Bengaluru are looking ahead to the challenges of the 2026 Indian Premier League as defending champions for the first time, shifting the focus from last season's emotional end to the demands of a new campaign, coach Andy Flower said.

RCB, who lifted their maiden IPL title last year after a long trophy drought, return to their home ground at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday for the tournament opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Flower was proud of last year's triumph, but said it was followed by an emotional period after celebrations were overshadowed by a stampede outside the stadium that claimed 11 lives.

"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."

Flower said the team is conscious of the responsibility that comes with defending the title and representing the franchise that draws massive support across the world.

"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," Flower said.

RCB and local authorities have tightened crowd-management protocols after last year's incident and have put in place enhanced entry monitoring, phased dispersal plans and additional medical and security personnel for the opening match.

The RCB players will wear black armbands on Saturday as a mark of respect, with 11 seats left vacant in memory of those who lost their lives last year.

EMOTIONAL ANCHOR

India great Virat Kohli remains the biggest crowd puller and emotional ballast for the team. The 37-year-old