When Virat Kohli speaks about Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), it always carries weight. He has spent his entire IPL career with the franchise, seen every phase, and played with some of the biggest names in T20 cricket.
The veteran cricketer who will be next seen in cricketing action for IPL 2026 picked his all-time RCB XI, and it’s always going to be interesting. And honestly, the team looks strong. But at the same time, a few choices stand out and invite debate.
Virat Kohli picks himself in the top order
Kohli went with a top order that almost picks itself. He chose Chris Gayle and himself as openers, followed by AB de Villiers at number three. That combination alone can destroy any bowling attack.
The experienced campaigner clearly rates Gayle very highly. He even called him the best in the format. As he said, “You got Chris, myself, and AB.” There is no argument here. Gayle at his peak was unstoppable. De Villiers brought innovation and calmness. Kohli added consistency. This is probably the easiest part of the XI to agree with.
Virat Kohli picks KL Rahul at No.4
Things get more interesting in the middle order. He picked KL Rahul at number four and Rajat Patidar at five. Furthermore, he explained his thinking clearly: “At four, I would have KL (Rahul). He had an amazing season.”
He also backed Patidar strongly: “he plays spin amazingly well and he’s one of the best Indian talents.” This is where opinions may differ.
Rahul had good moments for RCB, but he did not spend as many years there compared to others. Patidar is a recent star, no doubt, but placing him in an all-time XI already feels slightly early.
This looks like Kohli trusting form and impact over legacy. For the finisher’s role, Kohli picked Dinesh Karthik. He said it clearly: “Six would be Dinesh (Karthik), for sure.” That choice makes complete sense.
Karthik has delivered in pressure situations and understands the finisher role well. In T20 cricket, clarity matters more than reputation, and this pick reflects that.
Kohli also included Harshal Patel as an all-round option, which adds balance to the team. This part of the XI feels practical rather than emotional. Last but not least, Kohli did not compromise when it came to bowling.
He picked Anil Kumble, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mitchell Starc and Dale Steyn. This attack has everything including pace, swing, experience, and spin. Chahal’s inclusion was interesting, and Kohli even hinted at his batting value by saying he adds depth lower down the order. Kumble brings control and leadership, whereas Starc and Steyn bring raw pace.
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Virat Kohli’s final XI looks like this:
Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, KL Rahul, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, Harshal Patel, Anil Kumble, Mitchell Starc, Dale Steyn, Yuzvendra Chahal
On paper, it looks like a title-winning team. Some big names missed out. That is always the case in these selections, but fans will definitely question a few calls. Players who gave many years to RCB do not feature here.
RCB will kick-start their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28, Saturday, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. They will also be involved in two high-profile clashes later in the tournament, where they will lock horns with Chennai Super Kings on April 5, Sunday, in Bengaluru, and Mumbai Indians on April 12, Sunday, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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