As excitement grows ipl 2026, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Fans have been treated to a perfect dose of nostalgia. Former RCB star and current batting coach Dinesh Karthik recently revisited the franchise’s most iconic memories, listing down the top five moments of their IPL journey. Having been closely associated with the team over many seasons, Karthik’s choices have both emotion and insight.
Dinesh Karthik recalls RCB’s greatest IPL moments ahead of 2026 season
In a special segment, he took fans through the unforgettable highs – from record-breaking performances to long-awaited glory – while also including the dramatic 2024 win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a match that still leaves fans in a thrall.
At the top of Karthik’s list is the moment RCB fans had waited for for almost two decades – their first IPL title in 2025. After years of heartbreak, the franchise finally broke the curse, producing a season that will forever be etched in history.
“Probably the best moment ever. RCB won the trophy and Krunal Pandya bowled an amazing spell in the final. I think it was a special spell.” Kartik remembered. “To be part of that winning team was a special occasion. The way they went about it, it was a phenomenal match and a hair-raising moment for anyone who was part of that match, including the crowd. We were pushed in a lot of ways, even in the final. I think that was an exciting moment in RCB history, having to wait 18 years to get that title.”
That victory wasn’t just about lifting the trophy – it was about liberation. Virat Kohli’s calm presence in the final and Mohammed Siraj’s brilliant bowling in the death overs perfectly expressed RCB’s resilience that season.
Another standout moment takes us back to the unforgettable 2016 season, where Kohli had arguably the greatest individual IPL campaign ever. One particular innings against Punjab Kings was brilliant – a breathtaking century scored despite a painful arm injury.
“Virat Kohli’s century against Punjab Kings at that time. His webbing was torn and the way he gestured after scoring the century. In a rain-shortened game, scoring a century is unbelievable.” Karthik expressed. “The way he was able to do that, and the number of runs he scored that season, over 900, taking his team to the final alone, it tells you what a great player he is.”
Kohli’s season total of 973 runs is unmatched and that innings is a symbol of pure determination.
From AB de Villiers’ magic to Yash Dayal’s comeback: The moments that defined RCB
Karthik’s list also celebrates one of the most remarkable comeback innings in IPL playoff history – AB de Villiers; Gallant innings against Gujarat Lions in 2016. With RCB struggling at 29 for 5 in a high-pressure chase, De Villiers delivered a masterclass that turned the game.
“AB de Villiers won that match against Gujarat Lions, the way he took RCB to the final. Brilliant innings.” Karthik added a touch of humor and said: “My memory of that game is bad because I was keeping for Gujarat. But still, a great innings.”
De Villiers’ unbeaten inning of 79 runs is one of the best examples of composure under pressure.
Then comes the moment that no IPL fan can ever forget – Chris Gayle’s incredible 175 against Pune Warriors India in 2013. It was not just a record-breaking innings; It was a display of dominance that is rarely seen in T20 cricket. Sixes were raining all over the stadium, the bowlers looked helpless and Gayle made his name in cricket folklore.
Also read: IPL 2026 – Dwayne Bravo, Matthew Hayden and others to attend CSK reunion in Chepauk
Finally, Karthik highlighted another recent memory – the thrilling 2024 clash against CSK. It was important for RCB to win this match and the stake could not have been higher. After posting a strong score, the match went down to the wire, with MS Dhoni threatening another iconic finish.
But this time, it was Yash Dayal Who had the final decision? Defending 17 runs in the last over, he brilliantly kept his composure and dismissed Dhoni, sealing a famous win and RCB’s playoff qualification.
“The CSK match where Yash Dayal got the wicket of Dhoni in the end. That was a great match. The way we made it to the knockout, it was a great moment in the history of RCB.” Karthik said
That win marked a stunning turnaround for RCB, who had climbed from the bottom of the table to secure a playoff spot with six consecutive wins.
Karthik himself has been an important part of RCB’s journey, contributing valuable runs and experience over the years. Now, as batting coach, he continues to shape the team’s future while celebrating its past. As RCB prepares to defend their title in IPL 2026, these moments are a reminder of how far the franchise has come – and the legacy it continues to build.
Also read: SWOT analysis of Royal Challengers Bangalore – RCB’s report card ahead of IPL 2026
