Greatest RCB XI of all time

The Royal Challengers Bangalore has been one of the most enigmatic sides in the history of the Indian Premier League.

From producing some exhilarating cricket that bewilders fans as well as critics, to a complete meltdown, RCB fans have been accustomed to varying emotions.

Three-time IPL finalists (2009, 2011, 2016), the RCB have over the years boasted of some of the perennial superstars of T20 cricket. That said, today in this article, we will try and form the greatest RCB XI of all time.

#1 Chris Gayle

The Jamaican superstar Chris Gayle came in as an injury replacement

The Jamaican superstar Chris Gayle came in as an injury replacement for Dirk Nannes mid-way into the 2011 edition of the IPL, and thus kickstarted an association with the franchise that saw the West Indian rise to new heights in the T20 format.

For three consecutive seasons, i.e. 2011, 2012 and 2013, Gayle amassed more than 600 runs (608, 733 and 708) that included four swashbuckling hundreds, none better than the 175 not out, which he compiled against the Pune Warriors India in 2013.

In all, Gayle amassed 3163 runs for Royal Challengers Bangalore from 85 matches at an impressive strike rate of 151.20. After RCB decided not to retain him in IPL 2018 auctions, Gayle was racked up by KXIP at his base price. He hammered two tons for the new franchise in the just-concluded season.

#2 KL Rahul

KL Rahul found his mojo during his stint for RCB.

KL Rahul found his mojo during the stint at RCB. While Rahul missed the 2017 season due to injury, his most productive outing came in 2016, where he scored 397 runs at a strike-rate of 146.89 including four fifties.

Rahul was bought by Kings XI Punjab in the 2018 IPL Auctions after RCB decided not to retain the Karnataka batsman. The decision came back to bite Kohli's men as Rahul had a watershed year for KXIP. He finished with 659 runs at an average of 54.91 and a pulsating strike-rate of 158.41.

#3 Virat Kohli (Captain)

Virat Kohli slammed four centuries during the 2016 IPL season

At No.3 will be Virat Kohli. He was the sole player to be retained by the franchise in the 2011 auctions and Kohli responded with 557 runs in the season and was soon fast-tracked to the captaincy post after Daniel Vettori retired.

After a few indifferent seasons, in which he scored 165 and 246 respectively, Kohli came into his own as he crossed the 300-run barrier for the first time (307 runs) in 2010 edition of the IPL. However, Kohli's finest hour arrived in the 2016 edition where he racked up 973 runs glittered with four awe-inspiring hundreds.

#4 AB de Villiers

Mr 360- AB de Villiers

At No.4 comes, Mr 360, AB de Villers. With an inherent ability to play shots all around the ground, De Villiers on his day can reduce the bowlers to a mere machine.

He can play both, the role of a power hitter as well as of a sheet anchor as and when the situation demands.

#5 Ross Taylor

One of the perennial RCB rockstars

One of the perennial RCB rockstars, Ross Taylor comes in at No.5. Taylor represented RCB from since 2008, but his finest moment arrived in the 2009 season in which he accumulated 280 runs at a strike-rate of 134.61.

Taylor went unsold in the 2015 auctions and have been an absentee from the tournament since then.

#6 Manish Pandey

Manish Pandey announced himself to the cricketing world with a magnificent 114

Manish Pandey announced himself to the cricketing world with a magnificent 114 against the Deccan Chargers in the 2009 edition of the IPL.

Pandey, en route to a scintillating 114, also became the first Indian to register an IPL 100. He will serve as an ideal finisher for the Challengers.

Pandey represented the Sunrisers Hyderabad in what turned out to be a disappointing season for the Karnataka batsman.

#7 Shane Watson

One of the best all-rounders in the history of T20 cricket

One of the best all-rounders in the history of T20 cricket, Shane Watson will fulfill the duties of a genuine all-rounder.

Watson has the ability to consistently bowl. He has a penchant to hit big shots. Watson, who played for the franchise in 2016 and 2017, gives a much-needed balance to the squad.

#8 Anil Kumble

The first RCB skipper to take his side to the IPL finals

The first RCB skipper to take his side to the IPL finals, there is no way an RCB XI can be completed without the inclusion of Anil Kumble.

Kumble, who played for the franchise from 2008 to 2010, featured in 42 matches and accounted for 45 wickets at an economy of 6.58.

#9 Yuzvendra Chahal

The vile little sensation-Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal has grown by leaps and bounds as a wrist-spinner in the past two seasons.

While bowling on a small ground, Chahal's strength lies in tossing the ball up whilst inviting the batsmen to go for the big shots. In 70 IPL matches, Chahal has claimed 82 wickets at an average of 23.56.

#10 Sreenath Arvind

Sreenath Arvind earned his maiden IPL contract by RCB in 2011.

Following an impressive domestic record, Sreenath Arvind earned his maiden IPL contract by RCB in 2011.

Arvind played 14 games for RCB and picked up 14 wickets which included a 4-wicket haul. He may not be a big name in World Cricket, but Arvind chipped in with some consistent performances for RCB during his stay with the franchise.

Arvind, whose base price was Rs 50 lack went unsold in the 2018 IPL auction.

#11 Vinay Kumar

Highest wicket-taker in RCB history

The highest wicket-taker in RCB history, Vinay Kumar was one of the consistent performers for the franchise.

During his 5-year stint with the franchise, Kumar accumulated 80 wickets, including a 4-for against CSK in 2010, but had a disappointing season while turning out for KKR in 2018.