IPL 2026: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are entering the IPL 2026 season in unfamiliar territory: as defending champions. After finally shattering their trophy drought in a historic 2025 campaign, the team is now the benchmark for excellence in the league. As the city prepares for another summer of “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (This year the cup is ours), franchise icon Virat Kohli has set the internet alight by revealing his personal All-Time RCB XI.
In a video released by the franchise’s digital handles, a relaxed but reflective Kohli took a trip down memory lane, selecting a lineup that blends the nostalgia of the early years. The video was recorded ahead of the title-winning 2025 season but RCB has shared it on Monday, 16th March, 2026.
The “Big Three”
Unsurprisingly, the top of the order remains a tribute to the most destructive era in T20 history. Kohli selected himself to open alongside the “Universe Boss,” Chris Gayle. The duo, responsible for countless records at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, remains the gold standard for opening partnerships. Following them at the crucial No. 3 position is none other than AB de Villiers. Kohli’s admiration for “Mr. 360” is well-documented, and his inclusion was the easiest pick of the lot.
Top-order 💀💀💀
Middle-order 👊👊👊👊
Pace attack ❤️🔥❤️🔥
Spin-twins 🌪🌪Find out who breaks into King Kohli’s all-time RCB XI 👀
This is @bigbasket_com presents RCB Bold Diaries. 📹
PS: This video was recorded at the start of the IPL 2025 season. #PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB pic.twitter.com/6uVeCFjegR
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 16, 2026
Middle-Order Dynamics: Local Heroes and Modern Stars
The middle order provides a fascinating look into Kohli’s tactical mind. Despite KL Rahul moving to the Delhi Capitals for the 2026 season, Kohli honored his 2016 heroics by slotting him at No. 4. Perhaps the most significant nod to the current era was the inclusion of present captain Rajat Patidar at No. 5. Kohli praised Patidar’s “incredible ability to play spin,” a trait that proved vital in their recent championship run. To finish the innings, the “evergreen” Dinesh Karthik was chosen behind the stumps, immortalizing his legacy as one of the game’s premier closers.
The Bowling Attack: Legend vs. Protege
The most debated aspect of the XI, however, is the bowling department. Despite his years of service to the franchise, there was no place for Mohammed Siraj. Instead, Kohli opted for “pure intimidation” by picking Mitchell Starc and Dale Steyn to lead the pace battery.
In the spin department, Kohli bridged a decade-long gap by naming his former captain, Anil Kumble, alongside Yuzvendra Chahal. By including Kumble, Kohli signaled a deep respect for the legendary leg-spinner who mentored him during his rookie years. This selection ensures that even on the small boundaries of the Chinnaswamy, the craft of leg-spin remains the team’s primary weapon.
As RCB gears up for their title defense, Kohli’s XI serves as a reminder of the giants who built the franchise’s legacy—and the high standards the 2026 squad must now uphold.
