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Virat Kohli Leads Emotional Farewell to RCB Physio Evan Speechly After 18 Years

Royal Challengers Bengaluru paid a heartfelt tribute to former Head Physio Evan Speechly, who served the franchise for 18 years. Virat Kohli led the emotional farewell, praising Speechly's kindness and integrity. Speechly expressed his deep connection with RCB, calling it "family." The event marked the end of an era for one of the team's longest-standing members.

Key Points: RCB Pays Emotional Tribute to Evan Speechly: Virat Kohli

  • Virat Kohli leads emotional tribute to Evan Speechly
  • Speechly served RCB as head physio for 18 years
  • Farewell event held in Bengaluru
  • Speechly calls RCB "family" after nearly two decades
2 min read

"You'll always be a part of this family": Virat Kohli leads RCB's emotional tribute to Evan Speechly

Virat Kohli leads RCB's heartfelt farewell to Evan Speechly, who served as head physio for 18 years. Read the emotional quotes and tribute.

"s and tribute.QUOTE: You'll always be a part of this family, you always have been, and you always will be. - Virat Kohli"

Bengaluru, May 5

Royal Challengers Bengaluru paid a heartfelt tribute to former Head Physio Evan Speechly, who served the franchise for 18 years from 2008 to 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the team's longest-standing members.

Speechly, a key figure behind the scenes through RCB's journey across seasons, returned to Bengaluru for a special farewell organised by the franchise, bringing together players and support staff to celebrate his contribution, according to a release.

Leading the tribute, Virat Kohli spoke about the bond he shared with Speechly over the years:

"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. 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."

Reflecting on Speechly's impact, Director of Cricket Mo Bobat said: "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."

Moved by the gesture, Evan Speechly expressed his gratitude and deep connection with the franchise: "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. I'll always feel a part of RCB."

Speechly's tenure with RCB spanned nearly two decades, during which he worked closely with players across generations, becoming a respected and trusted figure within the squad. As the franchise continues its journey, the farewell served as a reminder of the people behind the scenes who shape its culture and legacy.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya Sharma
This is so touching. We always talk about players but the support staff are the real backbone. Evan Speechly probably spent more time with players than their own families during IPL seasons. RCB setting a great example of how to treat your people. Respect! 🙌
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Michael Thomas
As a physio myself, this story resonates deeply. It's rare to see such loyalty and appreciation in sports franchises. RCB showed real class with this farewell. Kohli's words about kindness and integrity are exactly what defines a great backroom staff. Professional sports needs more Evans.
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Arvind Nair
Speechly sahab ka contribution immense hai. 18 saal, players aaye gaye lekin woh captain of the backroom staff rahe. Lekin sach poochho toh RCB ko bhi aise logon ki jaroorat hai... ek trophy bhi unhe gift karte to gold hota. 🤷‍♂️🏆
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Sarah Johnson
Coming from a corporate HR background, this is how you honor long-term employees. RCB's culture is clearly something special. Speechly saying "it felt like coming home" says it all. Compare this to some other franchises that treat staff like commodities. Class act from RCB and Kohli.
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Kavita Patel
I wish every employee got a farewell like this. Kohli jaisa star player personally thanking a physio shows real character. And Speechly's humility - "Everyone wants one season, I got 18" - so heartwarming. Yeh hai asli RCB spirit. 🥲💪

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