“A nice place to be” - Mo Bobat on RCB retaining a strong core ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction

RCB’s retention of 17 members from their title-winning squad of the IPL 2025 will present the management with an opportunity to channel their focus on filling a few important slots at the IPL 2026 Auction.

On an episode of Big Basket presents Bold Diaries, RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat spoke on how the think-tank will approach their strategies at the auction with a strong core already set in place.

Bobat said, “I'm not sure there's such a thing as a chilled-out auction. I predict we'll have less business to do than some of the other teams, but we still want to prepare really well. We've got some important roles to fill in our squad, so we will prepare very thoroughly.”

He added, “And actually, you never know what can happen at an auction, and you have to be prepared sometimes to capitalize on an opportunity. So, I wouldn't describe it as chilled-out, but it is nice going into an auction knowing that the core of your squad is strong and has achieved success in the year before.”

The Englishman further said, “So, I feel like it's a nice place to be, but we're certainly not taking anything for granted, and it's a real opportunity for us to improve our squad.”

Andy Flower, RCB’s Head coach, offered his thoughts on how signing the right players at an auction plays a role in building the right character as he said, “It's amazing to reflect on the success of last season, and that was obviously really satisfying. Starting afresh and refreshing our squad, strengthening our squad, and shifting our gaze forward is a really exciting part of being involved in professional sport. So, I'm really looking forward to that shift of focus. A big part of the strength of a dressing room in the franchise world is getting the right people in the dressing room, and so auctions are important.”