The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a carnival of cricketing excellence, and few teams have captured the imagination of fans quite like the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Even without the IPL trophy, RCB is the fans’ favourite. With a storied history filled with highs and lows, RCB has consistently showcased a penchant for assembling powerhouse-playing XIs.
Check details on the most powerful Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Playing XI in IPL History.
Royal Challengers Bangalore Strongest Playing XI of All Time
Chris Gayle, Parthiv Patel (wicket-keeper), Virat Kohli (captain), AB De Villiers, Jacques Kallis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Vinay Kumar, S Aravind, Anil Kumble, Yuzvendra Chahal
Strongest Playing XI Stats for RCB
Chris Gayle:
142 matches (2009-2021)
Runs 4965, Ave 39.72, SR 148.96
The ‘Universe Boss,’ Chris Gayle, needs no introduction. A powerhouse at the top of the order, Gayle’s tenure with RCB (2011-2017) was nothing short of sensational.
His ability to obliterate bowling attacks with monstrous sixes and accumulate mammoth scores revolutionized T20 batting. Scoring a record 175* in 2013, Gayle’s impact on RCB’s playing XI was monumental.
Parthiv Patel:
139 matches (2008-2019)
Runs 2848, Ave 22.60, SR 120.78
A dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, Prithvi Patel’s presence in RCB’s playing XI added versatility to the team.
Known for his quickness behind the stumps and ability to provide quick starts with the bat, Patel’s contributions during his RCB stint were crucial.
His partnership with the top order often set the stage for the middle-order power hitters.
Virat Kohli (Captain):
237 matches (2008-2023)
Runs 7263, Ave 37.25, SR 130.02
Undoubtedly the face of RCB, Virat Kohli has been the backbone of the franchise since its inception.
With 237 matches under his belt from 2008 to 2023, Kohli’s earlier captaincy and batting prowess have been the driving force behind RCB’s campaigns.
His 7263 runs at an average of 37.25 and a strike rate of 130.02 underscore his undeniable impact on the team.
AB de Villiers:
184 matches (2008-2021)
Runs 5162, Ave 39.71, SR 151.69
He has been adopted by the Bengaluru supporters ever since he joined RCB. He always feels incredibly loved when he visits the Chinnaswamy.
He is passionate about his game, enjoys entertaining the crowd, hits creative shots, and destroys the opposition’s bowling attack.
AB De Villiers has scored 4491 runs for RCB in a total of 156 matches including 11 seasons.
Jacques Kallis:
98 matches (2008-2014)
Runs 2427, Ave 28.55, SR 109.23
RCB’s All-Time XI includes overseas all-rounder Jacques Kallis. For the Royal Challengers, he amassed 1271 runs and claimed 30 wickets throughout his stay.
Several times, he carried RCB to victory on his own. With almost 10,000 ODI runs under his belt, he is a fantastic batsman who can also contribute four overs to the squad.
Glenn Maxwell:
124 matches (2012-2023)
Runs 2719, Ave 26.40, SR 157.62
In the world of white-ball cricket, Glenn Maxwell is a well-known figure. His range of abilities makes him an invaluable asset to any team.
Maxwell’s striking prowess in T20 cricket is undeniable, but he is also a very good off-spinner. Maxwell is capable of providing some excellent support with a couple of overs here and there.
Vinay Kumar:
104 matches (2008-2018)
Wickets 105, Ave 28.25, Econ. 8.39
Bowling plays a crucial role in T20 cricket, and in Vinay Kumar, RCB found a reliable seam bowler.
His ability to pick wickets at crucial moments of the match and contain runs made him an unsung hero in RCB’s playing XI.
Kumar’s contributions with the ball were instrumental in many of RCB’s victories.
Mitchell Starc:
27 matches (2014-2015)
Wickets 34, Ave 20.38, Econ. 7.17
The Australian speedster, Mitchell Starc, brought a fiery dimension to RCB’s pace attack.
With the express pace and the ability to swing the ball both ways, Starc’s 2014-2015 seasons were nothing short of spectacular.
His ability to pick early wickets often set the tone for RCB’s victories.
Anil Kumble:
42 matches (2008-2010)
Wickets 45, Ave 23.51, Econ. 6.58
A cricketing legend and one of the greatest leg-spinners of all time, Anil Kumble provided RCB with experience and guile.
His 2010 season, both as a captain and a bowler, showcased Kumble’s astute cricketing mind and ability to outsmart opponents.
S Aravind:
38 matches (2011-2017)
Wickets 45, Ave 23.09, Econ. 8.20
Left-arm seamer S Aravind added variety to RCB’s bowling arsenal. His ability to swing the ball and deliver crucial breakthroughs made him a reliable option in the playing XI.
Aravind’s contributions, especially in the death overs, were important for RCB.
Yuzvendra Chahal:
145 matches (2013-2023)
Wickets 187, Ave 21.69, Econ. 7.67
The wily leg-spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal, was a mainstay in RCB’s playing XI.
With his variations and ability to pick wickets in the middle overs, Chahal has emerged as one of the premier spinners in the IPL.
With his journey in RCB in a span of 2014-2021 he took 139 wickets.
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