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\u2019s 18-year stint with the franchise coming to an end. Speechly\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s work ethic and professionalism, but also about the personal qualities that made him stand out within the dressing room environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve probably spent the most amount of time with you in the RCB setup. You\u2019re 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\u2019s something I\u2019ll always carry with me,\u201d Kohli said, highlighting the lasting impression Speechly had left across seasons.<\/p>\n
Kohli then added, \u201cTo say that you\u2019ll always be a part of this family, you always have been, and you always will be. We\u2019ll remember you fondly forever.\u201d His words underscored the deep sense of belonging that Speechly had built over years of service to the team.<\/p>\n
Royal Challengers Bengaluru\u2019s Director of Cricket Mo Bobat also spoke about Speechly\u2019s role within the franchise structure, describing the farewell as a tribute to long-term dedication. Bobat emphasised that Speechly\u2019s presence as the lead physio for a \u201chuge amount of time\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvan 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\u2019s done for RCB,\u201d Bobat said.<\/p>\n
Moved by the gesture, Speechly responded with gratitude and reflected on how familiar the environment still feels to him. \u201cWhen 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Speechly also acknowledged how rare it is for a cricket professional to spend so long with one franchise, adding, \u201cEveryone in world cricket would love to spend even one season here, I\u2019ve been fortunate to have had 18. I\u2019ll always feel a part of RCB,\u201d before bringing the curtain down on a relationship that has endured through multiple eras of the team.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":7622,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Evan Speechly Farewell: Kohli Salutes RCB Physio Stint","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Virat Kohli marks the end of Evan Speechly\u2019s 18-year RCB stint, praising the physio in a heartfelt farewell that fans won\u2019t forget.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7623","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n