IPL 2026 | Last season's stumble: RCB eye fresh start at home
Royal Challengers Bengaluru aim to transform their home ground into a fortress this IPL season after a disappointing home record last year. Despite a maiden title win, the team acknowledges the need to dominate at the Chinnaswamy. They will also adapt to playing two 'home' games in Raipur, emphasising their flexibility.
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.