Royal Challengers Bengaluru marked the close of a long chapter by honouring former Head Physio Evan Speechly, who spent 18 years with the franchise—from 2008 to 2025. The team organised a special send-off in Bengaluru to pay tribute to one of the most established figures in its support system, with players and members of the backroom staff coming together to celebrate the impact Speechly had during his time with the squad.
Farewell in Bengaluru for a long-serving physio
Speechly, long regarded as a steady presence in RCB’s environment, returned to Bengaluru for the tribute event. The franchise brought him together with the people he worked alongside throughout his tenure, spotlighting the contribution he made behind the scenes as the team evolved across seasons.
Virat Kohli leads the tributes
One of the highlights of the farewell was Virat Kohli’s emotional message about the bond he shared with Speechly over the years. Kohli described Speechly as an “OG” within the RCB setup and spoke not only about his professionalism, but also about the character traits that left a lasting impression.
- Kohli said he has likely spent the most time with Speechly within the RCB setup.
- He described Speechly as one of the franchise’s original members.
- Kohli praised the physio’s hard work and professionalism.
- He added that kindness, care, and integrity are what will remain with him.
- Kohli said Speechly will always feel like part of the RCB family—“always” and “forever”—and that the team will remember him fondly.
Mo Bobat and Evan Speechly on legacy and connection
RCB’s Director of Cricket Mo Bobat also reflected on why the franchise chose to bring Speechly back for the farewell. He noted that Speechly had been the lead physio for a significant span of time and that the team wanted to use the occasion to recognise his contribution, spend time with him, and celebrate what he had delivered for RCB.
- Bobat said Speechly served as the lead physio for a “huge” amount of time.
- He explained that the franchise wanted to bring him back to recognise his contribution.
- Bobat said the purpose was to spend time with Speechly and celebrate everything he had done for RCB.
Moved by the gesture, Evan Speechly responded with heartfelt gratitude and described how RCB has felt like home for him. He recalled the moment he walked into the hotel and said it felt like returning to familiar surroundings. Speechly also pointed out that many people involved with the franchise have been there for a long time, and that RCB has consistently felt like family to him. He further noted that he has been fortunate to spend 18 seasons with the team and that he will always consider himself part of RCB.
- Speechly said that when he walked into the hotel the previous day, it felt like coming home.
- He said many people there have been associated with RCB for a long time.
- Speechly added that RCB has always felt like family.
- He said everyone in world cricket would want to spend even one season at the franchise.
- Speechly said he has been fortunate to experience 18 seasons with RCB.
- He concluded that he will always feel a part of the club.
A tribute to the people behind the culture
RCB’s farewell also underlined Speechly’s enduring role within the organisation. The franchise described him as Head Physio for 18 years, spanning 2008 to 2025, and highlighted that he flew down to Bengaluru for a special send-off—one that left those present emotional. The team’s message framed the occasion as more than a personal goodbye, presenting it as a reminder of the individuals who help shape RCB’s culture and legacy.
Speechly’s tenure with RCB stretched nearly two decades, during which he worked closely with players across different generations and became a trusted and respected figure within the squad. As RCB continues its journey forward, the farewell served as a tribute to the behind-the-scenes contributors who remain fundamental to the franchise’s identity.
