As excitement grows for the 2026 edition Indian Premier League (IPL)East Royal Challengers Bangalore (IPL) batsman and current guru Dinesh Karthik Has revealed his all-time playing eleven for the franchise. The veteran cricketer shared his picks during a discussion on Cricbuzz, and took a fascinating look at the players he believes represent the best players in RCB history.
The biggest topic of discussion in Karthik’s selection was the decision of his appointment. Rajat Patidar As team captain, ignoring the franchise icon Virat Kohli For leadership role. The announcement has already sparked debate among fans, especially with IPL 2026 set to begin on March 28.
Explosive opening pair of Chris Gayle and Faf du Plessis
Karthik makes his all-time RCB XI debut with a powerful opening combination chris gayle And Faf du Plessis. Gayle is one of the most destructive batsmen ever to represent the Bengaluru-based franchise. During his stint with the team, the West Indies legend played 85 matches and scored 3,163 runs, which included 19 half-centuries and five centuries. His ability to dominate bowling attacks made him one of the most dangerous players in IPL history.
Joining him at the helm is former RCB captain du Plessis, who led the team from 2022 to 2024. The South African batsman 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 vital role in stabilizing RCB’s batting lineup during those seasons.
Virat Kohli and Abraham de Villiers command the middle order
At number three, Karthik included Kohli, the highest run-scorer in the history of RCB. Kohli has been synonymous with the franchise since the beginning of the IPL and has scored a remarkable 8,661 runs for the team with 63 fifties and eight centuries.
Interestingly, the responsibility of captaincy in Karthik’s XI was given to Patidar, who was placed at number four. Patidar earned the leadership role after guiding RCB to their first IPL title in the 2025 season, a historic feat that elevated his stature within the franchise.
Patidar is one of the most iconic players to 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 wicketkeeper-batsman in the lower middle order is Jitesh Sharma and all-rounder Krunal Pandya At number six and seven. Both players played crucial roles during RCB’s successful 2025 campaign and have earned their places in Karthik’s all-time lineup.
Also read: Sanjay Bangar chose his Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) playing eleven for IPL 2026.
Balanced bowling attack completes the XI
Karthik’s bowling unit includes some of the most impressive bowlers who have represented RCB over the years. Harshal Patel Was placed at number eight. The seamer enjoyed a memorable journey with the franchise, taking 99 wickets in 80 matches and winning the Purple Cap in the 2021 season.
Have to join them in the pace department Mohammad SirajWho played for RCB from 2018 to 2024 and took 83 wickets in 87 matches before moving to Gujarat Titans ahead of the 2025 season. spin responsibilities are led Yuzvendra ChahalOne of the most successful bowlers in the history of the franchise. Chahal took 139 wickets in 113 matches for RCB between 2014 and 2021 and remains a fan favourite.
Completing the lineup are Australian fast bowlers Josh HazlewoodWho played a key role in RCB’s title-winning campaign in 2025, finishing as the team’s leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets. Karthik’s name also Devdutt Padikkal And Bhuvneshwar Kumar As two influential players, a team has been assembled that reflects both RCB’s veteran stars and their recent championship heroics.
Dinesh Karthik’s all-time RCB XI: Chris Gayle, Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (captain), AB de Villiers, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Josh Hazlewood.
Influential players: Devdutt Padikkal, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar
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