Excitement is building for the 2026 edition Indian Premier League (IPL)the past Royal Challengers Bengaluru (IPL) prone and current mentor Dinesh Karthik announced his 11th all-time games played for the franchise. The veteran cricketer shared his picks during a discussion on Cricbuzz, offering a fascinating insight into the players he believes represent the best in RCB history.
One of the most talked about parts of Karthik’s selection was his casting decision Rajat Patidar as the captain of the side that looked after the icon of the franchise Virat Kohli for a leadership role. The announcement has sparked debate among fans, especially with IPL 2026 scheduled to begin on March 28.
An explosive opening pair featuring Chris Gayle and Faf du Plessis
Karthik started his all-time RCB XI with a strong opening combination Chris Gayle and Faf du Plessis. Gayle remains one of the most devastating batsmen to represent the Bengaluru-based franchise. During his tenure with the team, the West Indies legend played 85 matches and scored 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.
He is partnering at the top with former RCB captain Du Plessis, who will lead the team from 2022 to 2024. The South African batsman enjoyed a prolific spell with the franchise, scoring 1,636 runs in 45 matches while recording 15 half-centuries. His consistency and leadership played a key role in stabilizing RCB’s batting order in those seasons.
Virat Kohli and Ab De Villiers close 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 amassed a remarkable 8,661 runs for the team along with 63 fifties and eight centuries.
Interestingly, the captaincy duties in Karthik’s XI have been handed over to the fourth-ranked Patidar. Patidar earned the leadership role after guiding RCB to their maiden IPL title in the 2025 season, a historic achievement that raised the profile of the franchise.
Patidar is followed by one of the most popular players to wear the RCB jersey — AB de Villiers. The South African superstar was known for his uncanny ability to change the course of a match. During his tenure with RCB, he scored 4,491 runs in 156 matches, including 37 fifties and two centuries, before retiring after the 2021 season.
In the lower middle row there is a keeper-batter Jitesh Sharma and comprehensive Krunal Pandya in numbers six and seven. Both players were instrumental during RCB’s successful 2025 campaign and earned Karthik their places in the all-time rankings.
Also READ: Sanjay Bangar has selected Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) XI for IPL 2026
A balanced bowling attack completes the XI
Karthik’s bowling unit includes some of the most impressive bowlers to represent RCB over the years. Harshal Patel was in eighth place. The Mariner enjoyed a memorable run with the franchise, scoring 99 goals in 80 matches and winning the Purple Cap for the 2021 season.
It is joining the pace department Muhammad Sirajwho played for RCB from 2018 to 2024 and took 83 wickets in 87 matches before switching to Gujarat Titans ahead of the 2025 season. Leads turnaround responsibilities Yuzvendra Chahalone of the most successful bowlers in franchise history. Chahal scored 139 wickets in 113 matches for RCB between 2014 and 2021 and remains a fan favourite.
Rounding out the lineup is the Australian fast bowler Josh HazlewoodHe was instrumental in RCB’s title-winning campaign in 2025 and finished as the team’s leading wicket-taker with 22 scalps. Karthik is also named after him Devdutt Padikkal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as two impressive players, rounding out a squad featuring both RCB’s legendary stars and their recent championship heroics.
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 and Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Also READ: Will Iran War Affect IPL 2026 Schedule? BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla shares a key update
