NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru marked the closing of a major chapter by giving a heartfelt send-off to one of its most long-serving figures, with former head physio Evan Speechly’s 18-year stint with the franchise coming to an end. Speechly’s journey with RCB, spanning 2008 to 2025, was celebrated in Bengaluru through a special gathering organised by the team, bringing together players and members of the support staff for a rare moment focused on the contribution of someone who spent years working largely out of the spotlight.
The tributes were led by Virat Kohli, who delivered a message that carried both respect and genuine emotion. As a former RCB captain and a player who has been closely linked with the franchise for nearly two decades, Kohli spoke not only about Speechly’s work ethic and professionalism, but also about the personal qualities that made him stand out within the dressing room environment.
“I’ve probably spent the most amount of time with you in the RCB setup. You’re one of the OGs. Apart from your hard work and professionalism, the thing that will always stand out is your kindness, care, and integrity. That’s something I’ll always carry with me,” Kohli said, highlighting the lasting impression Speechly had left across seasons.
Kohli then added, “To say that you’ll always be a part of this family, you always have been, and you always will be. We’ll remember you fondly forever.” His words underscored the deep sense of belonging that Speechly had built over years of service to the team.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Director of Cricket Mo Bobat also spoke about Speechly’s role within the franchise structure, describing the farewell as a tribute to long-term dedication. Bobat emphasised that Speechly’s presence as the lead physio for a “huge amount of time” had become an integral part of the setup, and that the franchise wanted him back specifically to be recognised, to spend time with those around him, and to celebrate the impact of his work.
“Evan has been our lead physio for a huge amount of time. We wanted to bring him back to recognise his contribution, spend some time with him, and celebrate everything he’s done for RCB,” Bobat said.
Moved by the gesture, Speechly responded with gratitude and reflected on how familiar the environment still feels to him. “When I walked into the hotel yesterday, it felt like coming home. So many of us have been here a long time, and RCB has always felt like family,” he said.
Speechly also acknowledged how rare it is for a cricket professional to spend so long with one franchise, adding, “Everyone in world cricket would love to spend even one season here, I’ve been fortunate to have had 18. I’ll always feel a part of RCB,” before bringing the curtain down on a relationship that has endured through multiple eras of the team.
