It's sad to see players go – Andy Flower and Mo Bobat open up on RCB’s player releases

As RCB announced their retentions and releases ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction, a lot of emotions followed suit.

After intense discussions, RCB decided to part ways with the likes of Liam Livingstone, Lungi Ngidi, Mayank Agarawal, Manoj Bhandage, Mohit Rathee and Swastik Chikara. Apart from them, Tim Seifert and Blessing Muzarabani, who joined as temporary replacements, were also released.

Bidding adieu to any player isn’t easy and that was palpable in the words of RCB’s head coach, Andy Flower and the Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat.

The duo opened up at length on RCB Bold Diaries about each player released.

Talking about Lungi Ngidi, Mo Bobat said, “He is someone who contributed hugely to our campaign last year, albeit with limited opportunities. We all remember the game against CSK where Josh Hazelwood was injured. Lungi came in and delivered a really impactful performance and a game that went right down to the wire.”

Bobat further added, “And actually, I hope Lungi doesn't mind me saying, but you know, recently I spoke to him about that performance and he talked about the fact that when he came into the team, he didn't come in with the mindset of wanting to contribute.He came in with a mindset of trying to achieve the standard that Josh Hazelwood had set and that is such an impressive perspective for somebody and it shows his class. It shows his caliber as a person.”

Andy Flower said, “Lungi Ngidi only played a couple of games, but against CSK, he played a very important role stepping in for Hazelwood and getting crucial wickets.”

Flower then shifted his focus to Mayank Agarawal who came on as a replacement for an injured Devdutt Padikkal. Shedding light on Mayank, Flower said, “He contributed brilliantly after coming in very late in the piece and played pivotal roles in a number of innings for us in probably the most high pressure time of the season. So he did amazingly too.”

Flower further added, “I'd also like to just mention Swastik, Manoj and Mohit who didn't get much of a go through the season, but they were great to work with. I loved practicing with them. I loved working hard in the nets with them. They were always upbeat and great members of the squad, all of them. And so, in all sorts of ways, we've all played bits and parts in last season's success. I wish them well. I feel for them. and I will undoubtedly be watching their progress in the future too.”

Mo Bobat further added, “You know, it's a long campaign when you're not playing and it could be easy for your motivation and your attitude to wane and dip off. That didn't happen with any of those. They practiced with a lot of energy and intent. They were always in the gym each day training hard and trying to develop themselves as athletes, but also as players. And around game time they really committed to their 12man duties or whatever else they were doing.”

He concluded by stating, “So you know again really grateful for what they committed. It's sad to see players go. We are, as I mentioned earlier, trying to retain the core of our squad but we also want to improve our squad and make sure we have competition for places going into next season.”