Pharma tycoon Adar Poonawalla has emerged as a potential suitor for the Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru, sparking fresh speculation around a possible change in ownership of one of the league's most high-profile teams.
This is Dinesh Karthik's maiden foray into a support staff role outside the IPL.
Now, over three months after the tragic stampede, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have broken the silence on the matter.
While big buys grabbed attention, several franchises quietly walked away with proven performers at throwaway prices -- the kind of signings that often make the difference between mid-table finishes and title runs.
Josh Hazlewood is likely to rejoin Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the IPL playoffs, having recovered from a shoulder niggle.
It is not yet clear if Diageo Plc is looking to sell its complete stake in RCB.
On Friday, Jitesh Sharma and Krunal Pandya joined their teammates in paying tribute to the fans who never made it home.
The appointment of Mo Bobat and Andy Flower and Dinesh Karthik into the coaching staff changed the template, and it reflected in RCB's approach in the auction room in 2024.
The Indian Premier League's overall brand value declined by 20 per cent to $9.6 billion in 2025 due to lost momentum in the league caused by tensions between India and Pakistan, and teams adjusting to their squad composition post the auction.
Maxwell revealed he received a call from RCB's Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, and head coach Andy Flower, informing him of the decision.
The victory brought overwhelming joy and relief
Royal Challengers Bangalore have appointed England men's Performance Director Mo Bobat as their new director of cricket following the departure of Mike Hesson.
The seasoned duo of Meg Lanning and Sophie Devine were also among the marquee picks. Giants bought Devine for Rs 2 crore, while UP Warriorz landed Lanning for Rs 1.90 crore.
The spin all-rounder played a pivotal role in restricting Delhi's batters, including claiming the key wicket of the experienced Faf du Plessis, finishing with figures of 1/28.
Retirement from Test cricket has not taken the competitive edge out of Virat Kohli and the star batter is ambitiously focusing on what he can achieve with RCB in IPL 2025.
RCB were set to play the Lucknow Super Giants the next day, May 9, the same day the IPL was officially suspended for a week due to rising military tensions.
RCB were adamant to get a good bowling attack, it was a huge first step in winning IPL: Andy Flower
'One of the things I love about Virat's thought process on the game is, it is always the aggressive option.'
'Coaching at a professional level is incredibly exciting for me and is something I'm truly passionate about as a new chapter in my life. Hopefully, the breadth of my experiences as a player can contribute to the development of the group and bring added value.'
Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, the chief minister also announced a one-man judicial probe, headed by Justice Michael D'Cunha, a retired high court judge of Karnataka, into the tragic incident.
This year, Rajat led RCB to their maiden IPL title in 18 years and recently was crucial to the Central Zone's Duleep Trophy triumph for the first time since 2014-15.
Newly-appointed Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar on Thursday said he would want to pick talisman Virat Kohli's brains to learn the nuances of leadership and stressed on the importance of "standing with players" in all circumstances.
Mo Bobat, Director of Cricket at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, spoke about how one should be interpreting data and what should be used from the heap that is available currently in the cricketing ecosystem.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2025 title triumph has propelled the franchise's valuation to US$ 269 million, dethroning five-time champions Chennai Super Kings as the most valuable IPL franchise.
'The more number of times you reach the playoffs, the probability of winning the championship is quite near.'
As the victorious RCB squad returned to their team hotel in Ahmedabad late Tuesday night, they were welcomed like true champions-with dhol beats, thunderous cheers, and an atmosphere electric with celebration.
A wave of high-profile player releases, including four prominent captains -- Shreyas Iyer, K L Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Faf du Plessis -- has reshaped the landscape of the league.
He also met with skipper Rajat Patidar, pacer Yash Dayal, head coach Andy Flower, and Director of Cricket Mo Bobat.
"We're deeply grateful for the swift coordination and support from the BCCI, local authorities, and the police who made this possible," the RCB statement added.
Anushka Sharma, Sakshi Singh Dhoni cheered on their better halves from the stands along with other celebrities including IPL legend Chris Gayle.
Joseph was one of our top three targets, says RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat
Royal Challengers Bangalore began their pre-tournament camp without their numero uno Virat Kohli, who might take a few more days to join before the team starts its IPL campaign against reigning champions Chennai Super Kings on March 22.
Ahead of the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League, Royal Challengers Bangalore named Ben Sawyer as head coach.
WTC Final-bound SA players likely to miss IPL playoffs
'Shubman Gill is a great thinker and player, but man management will be key to his leadership success.'
RCB review contracts of Hesson, Bangar; franchise may part ways with coaches
Bobat also backed England all-rounder Will Jacks to come in handy.
'Our plan was simple... use his (Mayank) space against him'
'The next objective is to make sure we create the right performance, and culture where the players can really go and showcase what they are capable of, and go out and entertain the public.'
RCB's Director of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson said the plan of the franchise in the auction was to look at players that will combine well with the retained squad.
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