As the excitement builds IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans were given a perfect dose of nostalgia. Former RCB star and current batting coach Dinesh Karthik recently revisited the franchise’s most iconic memories, listing his top five moments from their IPL journey. Closely associated with the team for several seasons, Karthik’s choices carry both emotion and insight.
Dinesh Karthik has his biggest IPL moments ahead of RCB’s 2026 season
In the special segment, he took his fans through unforgettable highs – from record-breaking performances to long-awaited glory – including a dramatic win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2024, a match that still leaves fans in awe.
At the top of Karthik’s list is the moment RCB fans have been waiting for for nearly two decades – their first IPL title in 2025. After years of heartbreak, the franchise finally broke the curse and delivered a season that will forever be etched in history.
“Probably the best moment ever. RCB won the trophy and Krunal Pandya bowled the final. I think it was special magic.” Karthik recalled. “It was a special occasion to be part of that winning team. The way they went, the phenomenal match and the crowd, it was a nerve-wracking moment for everyone who was a part of that match. We were pushed in many ways, even in the final. I think it was an exciting moment in RCB’s history to win this title after waiting 18 years.”
This win wasn’t just about lifting the trophy, it was about redemption. Virat Kohli’s calm presence in the final and Mohammad Siraj’s clutch bowling in the death overs perfectly summed up RCB’s resilience that season.
Another highlight takes us back to the unforgettable 2016 season where Kohli produced the greatest individual IPL campaign ever. A particular knock against Punjab Kings stood out – a breathtaking century scored despite a painful hand injury.
“Virat Kohli’s hundred against Punjab Kings at that stage. His net was torn and he was making gestures after getting that hundred. To get a hundred in a rain-shortened game is unbelievable,” Karthik stated. “The fact that he did that and scored over 900 runs that season, single-handedly taking his team to the final, shows that he is a great player.”
Kohli’s season of 973 runs remains unmatched and these innings symbolized pure determination.
From AB de Villiers’ magic to Yash Dayal’s rescue: RCB’s defining moments
Karthik’s list also marks one of the most remarkable comebacks in IPL playoff history – AB de Villiers; Heroic innings against Gujarat Lions in 2016. With RCB struggling at 29 for 5 in a high-pressure run, de Villiers delivered a masterclass that turned the game around.
“AB de Villiers as he took RCB to the final in a must-win game against Gujarat Lions. Fantastic knock,” Karthik added with a touch of humor: “I have a bad memory for that game because I saved it for Gujarat. But it’s still a terrible shot.”
De Villiers’ unbeaten 79 remains one of the finest examples of composure under pressure.
Then comes a moment that no IPL fan will ever forget – Chris Gayle’s incredible 175 against Pune Warriors India in 2013. It wasn’t just record-breaking shots; it was a display of dominance rarely seen in T20 cricket. Sixes rained all over the stadium, the bowler looked helpless and Gayle etched his name into cricketing folklore.
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Finally, Karthik highlighted a more recent memory – the thrilling 2024 clash with CSK. It was a must-win game for RCB and the stakes could not have been higher. After posting a strong finish, the match ended with MS Dhoni threatening another remarkable finish.
But this time it happened Yash Dayal who had the last word. Defending 17 runs in the last over, he held his nerve superbly and dismissed Dhoni, securing a famous victory and RCB’s play-off berth.
“The CSK game where Yash Dayal got Dhoni’s wicket in the end. It was a great match. It was a great moment in RCB history when we got him out to get to the knockouts.” Karthik said
The win was a stunning turnaround for RCB, who climbed from the bottom of the table to secure a place in the playoffs with six straight wins.
Karthik himself has been a key part of RCB’s journey, contributing valuable runs and experience over the years. Now, as hitting 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 they continue to build.
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