IPL 2026: Virat Kohli picks his all-time Royal Challengers Bengaluru XI

Indian veteran Virat Kohli has picked Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s all-time playing XI ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026. RCB head into the new season as defending champions after winning their maiden title in 2025, ending a 17-year wait for the trophy.

Kohli selected himself alongside Chris Gayle as the opening pair, while South African great AB de Villiers was slotted at No. 3. At No. 4, he picked Indian star KL Rahul, followed by current RCB captain Rajat Patidar at No. 5.

Further down the order, Kohli included Dinesh Karthik at No. 6, with all-rounder Harshal Patel at No. 7. For the spin department, he named legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble at No. 8 and Yuzvendra Chahal as the second spinner. To complete the bowling attack, the Delhi-born batter opted for two overseas pace greats, Dale Steyn and Mitchell Starc, rounding off his RCB all-time XI.

Virat Kohli’s all-time RCB playing XI

Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, KL Rahul, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, Harshal Patel, Anil Kumble, Mitchell Starc, Dale Steyn, Yuzvendra Chahal