![RCB legend announces retirement [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1780460466680_RCBlegendannouncesretirement.jpg?type=hq)
RCB legend announces retirement [Source: AFP]
It was an eventful IPL 2026 for the Rajat Patidar-led RCB side, as they became just the third team after the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings to win back-to-back championships. In a one-sided finale, the defending champions steamrolled the Gujarat Titans to win their second IPL title.
The post-match celebrations were also special, as the entire RCB unit, including the players and the support staff, was jubilant, and why not? The team had just captured their second successive IPL title.
However, amid all the happiness surrounding the RCB squad, one key member of the side quietly announced his retirement and will not be part of RCB from next season onwards.
RCB's strength and conditioning coach announces retirement
In the latest development, RCB’s strength and conditioning coach, Basu Shanker, will leave the RCB squad and won’t be a part of the title-winning side from the next IPL season onwards. The announcement was made by the franchise via a social media post.
"This news made us all teary eyed. 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐮 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐫…
This season was built on countless hours of hard work behind the scenes. To every member of our support staff and management who made this journey possible, thank you. 🤗🫶
A special salute to Basu Shanker Sir as he closes an unforgettable chapter with us. Your legacy will always be a part of RCB."
In the video, the Basu Shanker could be seen emotional as the entire squad and the support staff gave him a fitting tribute.
Also Read: RCB Release List After IPL 2026: Players Who Could Be Shown The Exit Door
The role of Basu Shankar in shaping RCB's IPL title win
RCB won the IPL 2026 season, and the credit goes to the players, and rightly so. However, behind the scenes, the franchise has worked hard to assemble a strong and a winning squad, and that credit has to be given to the management.
Basu Shanker, as the RCB strength and conditioning coach, curated a disciplined routine that helped the side stay focused and fit for the two-month-long tournament.
Shanker is the one responsible for the transformation of fitness in the RCB camp, and he relentlessly works hard with the entire squad to keep them fit for the IPL matches.
According to each player’s strengths and weaknesses and body type, Shanker curates the off-field activities in the gym that help them get fitter and better on the pitch.
How Basu Shanker transformed Virat Kohli's life
Before joining the RCB squad, Basu Shanker was associated with the Indian side, and this is when he inspired Virat Kohli to become a better version of himself. In fact, it was Kohli who recommended Shanker’s name for the post of strength and conditioning coach when he was the RCB skipper.
In an earlier interview, Kohli revealed how Shanker transformed his life and introduced him to the work ethic in the gym.
"At first, I wasn't convinced (about lifting), but the only thing Basu sir asked of me was 'trust'. I had full faith in his knowledge and experience.
"I remember in our series against Sri Lanka in 2015, I started learning lifting from Basu sir, understood the dynamics and the study behind the practice, and felt I was working towards something amazing.
"The results were outstanding, and that changed my perception of S&C and the importance of knowing exactly what you're working towards," Kohli said in an interview a few years earlier.
It would be interesting to see how RCB moves forward after this decision and who they appoint to replace the legendary Basu Shanker.
Also Read: Mohammed Siraj Opens New Window For Auqib Nabi's India Squad Addition
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