Andy Flower Confirms IPL Pause Was a Blessing for RCB
In the aftermath of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) triumphant IPL 2025 campaign, head coach Andy Flower has revealed that the mid-season pause in the tournament due to scheduling adjustments turned out to be a “blessing in disguise” for the franchise. Speaking in a post-title media interaction, Flower explained how the break became a turning point for the team’s form and focus.
Perfect Timing to Regroup and Reflect
Flower acknowledged that before the break, RCB’s campaign had been a mix of highs and inconsistencies. “We had a few tough games before the pause. That break gave us a rare chance to reset mentally and tactically,” he said. The coaching staff used the time to evaluate strategies, reassign roles, and help players recover from minor niggles.
Key Players Regained Form and Fitness
Several players who had been struggling with form or carrying injuries—such as Glenn Maxwell, Reece Topley, and Karn Sharma—used the IPL hiatus to recover. Flower confirmed that this rejuvenation phase played a critical role in how strongly the squad returned in the second half of the season. “You could see the sharpness, the intent—it was like a fresh start,” he added.
Tactical Tweaks Behind the Revival
During the break, the RCB think tank worked on fine-tuning match-ups, experimenting with training combinations, and recalibrating death-over strategies. The decision to bring in Blessing Muzarabani and explore floating batting roles for Will Jacks and Seifert were among the tactical tweaks implemented post-pause—many of which proved pivotal in the title run.
Mental Clarity and Renewed Team Energy
Flower emphasized the importance of mental clarity during the break. Players were encouraged to step away from the game briefly, return refreshed, and re-align with team goals. “Sometimes in long tournaments, players get caught up in the grind. That pause allowed us to break the rhythm, breathe, and come back hungrier and calmer.”
Turning Critics Into Witnesses
The RCB head coach also hinted that the break gave the squad time to tune out external noise, including criticism of their auction picks and early inconsistencies. “It gave us space—mentally and physically. We didn’t overtrain, but we planned wisely. It gave us the edge in the playoffs,” Flower stated.