As excitement builds for the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (IPL) batter and current mentor Dinesh Karthik has revealed his all-time playing XI for the franchise. The veteran cricketer shared his picks during a discussion on Cricbuzz, offering a fascinating look at the players he believes represent the best of RCB’s history.
One of the biggest talking points from Karthik’s selection was his decision to appoint Rajat Patidar as captain of the side, overlooking franchise icon Virat Kohli for the leadership role. The announcement has already sparked debate among fans, especially with IPL 2026 scheduled to begin on March 28.
Explosive opening pair featuring Chris Gayle and Faf du Plessis
Karthik started his all-time RCB XI with a powerful opening combination of Chris Gayle and Faf du Plessis. Gayle remains one of the most destructive batters ever to represent the Bengaluru-based franchise. During his stint with the team, the West Indies legend played 85 matches and amassed 3,163 runs, including 19 half-centuries and five centuries. His ability to dominate bowling attacks made him one of the most feared players in IPL history.
Partnering him at the top is former RCB skipper Du Plessis, who led the side from 2022 to 2024. The South African batter enjoyed a productive period with the franchise, scoring 1,636 runs in 45 matches while registering 15 half-centuries. His consistency and leadership played a key role in stabilizing RCB’s batting lineup during those seasons.
Virat Kohli and Ab De Villiers anchor the middle order
At number three, Karthik included Kohli, the leading run-scorer in RCB’s history. Kohli has been synonymous with the franchise since the inception of the IPL and has accumulated a remarkable 8,661 runs, along with 63 fifties and eight centuries for the team.
Interestingly, the captaincy responsibilities in Karthik’s XI were handed to Patidar, who was placed at number four. Patidar earned the leadership role after guiding RCB to their maiden IPL title in the 2025 season, a historic achievement that elevated his stature within the franchise.
Following Patidar is one of the most iconic players to ever wear the RCB jersey — AB de Villiers. The South African superstar was known for his extraordinary ability to change the course of a match. During his time with RCB, he scored 4,491 runs in 156 matches, including 37 fifties and two centuries before retiring after the 2021 season.
The lower middle order features wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma and all-rounder Krunal Pandya at numbers six and seven. Both players played crucial roles during RCB’s successful 2025 campaign and earned their places in Karthik’s all-time lineup.
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Balanced bowling attack completes the XI
Karthik’s bowling unit includes some of the most impactful bowlers to have represented RCB over the years. Harshal Patel was slotted at number eight. The seamer enjoyed a memorable run with the franchise, taking 99 wickets in 80 matches and winning the Purple Cap in the 2021 season.
Joining him in the pace department is Mohammed Siraj, who played for RCB from 2018 to 2024 and claimed 83 wickets in 87 matches before moving to Gujarat Titans ahead of the 2025 season. The spin responsibilities are led by Yuzvendra Chahal, one of the most successful bowlers in the franchise’s history. Chahal took 139 wickets in 113 matches for RCB between 2014 and 2021 and remains a fan favourite.
Completing the lineup is Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who was instrumental in RCB’s title-winning campaign in 2025, finishing as the team’s leading wicket-taker with 22 scalps. Karthik also named Devdutt Padikkal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the two impact players, rounding off a squad that reflects both RCB’s legendary stars and their recent championship heroes.
Dinesh Karthik’s all-time RCB XI: Chris Gayle, Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), AB de Villiers, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Josh Hazlewood
Impact players: Devdutt Padikkal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
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