Kohli leads RCB's emotional farewell to physio Speechly after 18 years
Synopsis
After 18 years as RCB's head physio, Evan Speechly walked away with a standing ovation — not just from Kohli and the dressing room, but from a franchise that called him family. His farewell underscores an often-invisible truth: behind every IPL trophy bid, there's a Speechly, quietly holding the team together.
Key Takeaways
Evan Speechly concluded his 18-year tenure as RCB head physio on 5 May 2025 , spanning 2008 to 2025 .
Virat Kohli led tributes, highlighting Speechly's professionalism, kindness, and integrity over their shared years.
Mo Bobat , RCB's Director of Cricket, organised the farewell to honour Speechly's legacy and contributions.
Speechly described RCB as "family" and expressed gratitude for 18 seasons with the franchise.
His tenure spanned multiple generations of RCB players, cementing his role in the franchise's cultural continuity.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 5 May 2025 organised a special farewell for long-serving head physio Evan Speechly, marking the end of an 18-year association spanning 2008 to 2025. Players and support staff gathered to honour his immense contribution across nearly two decades with the franchise.
Kohli's heartfelt tribute
Veteran batter Virat Kohli led the tributes, reflecting on his deep personal bond with Speechly. "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. He added that Speechly would "always be a part of this family" and pledged the team would "remember you fondly forever."
Recognition of legacy
Mo Bobat, RCB's Director of Cricket, underscored the significance of Speechly's role. "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. The farewell was designed as a fitting gesture to acknowledge his long tenure and impact on the franchise's operations.
Speechly's emotional goodbye
Visibly moved, Speechly spoke of his deep emotional connection to RCB. "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. Everyone in world cricket would love to spend even one season here, I've been fortunate to have had 18," he said. He affirmed that he would "always feel a part of RCB" despite the conclusion of his official tenure.
Behind-the-scenes influence
Throughout his 18-year tenure, Speechly worked closely with multiple generations of RCB players, earning deep trust and respect within the dressing room. His role exemplified the vital contribution of support staff in shaping team culture, continuity, and player welfare — often overlooked but foundational to franchise success.
Point of View
Trainers, and backroom staff who anchor culture across roster upheaval. RCB's 18-year run with Speechly is an outlier in an ecosystem of constant churn. His departure marks the end of an era; whether his successor can replicate that continuity, or whether RCB's medical setup fractures, will tell us much about the franchise's resilience beyond star players.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Evan Speechly and what was his role at RCB?
Evan Speechly was Royal Challengers Bengaluru's head physio for 18 years, from 2008 to 2025. He worked closely with multiple generations of RCB players, earning trust and respect within the dressing room for his professionalism, kindness, and integrity.
When did Evan Speechly's tenure at RCB end?
Speechly's tenure concluded on 5 May 2025, marking the end of his 18-year association with the franchise that began in 2008.
What did Virat Kohli say about Evan Speechly?
Kohli called Speechly "one of the OGs" and highlighted his hard work, professionalism, kindness, care, and integrity. Kohli stated that Speechly would "always be a part of this family" and pledged the team would remember him fondly.
Why did RCB organise a farewell event for Speechly?
RCB organised the farewell to recognise Speechly's 18-year contribution to the franchise, celebrate his legacy, and honour his role in shaping the team's culture and continuity across nearly two decades.
