As the joy builds for IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) followers have been handed an ideal dose of nostalgia. Former RCB star and present batting coach Dinesh Karthik just lately revisited the franchise’s most iconic recollections, itemizing his prime 5 moments from their IPL journey. Having been carefully related to the workforce throughout a number of seasons, Karthik’s picks carry each emotion and perception.
Dinesh Karthik relives RCB’s biggest IPL moments forward of the 2026 season
In a particular phase, he walked followers by means of unforgettable highs – from record-breaking performances to long-awaited glory – whereas additionally together with the dramatic 2024 win over Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK), a match that also offers followers goosebumps.
On the very prime of Karthik’s record sits the second RCB followers had waited practically 20 years for – their maiden IPL title in 2025. After years of heartbreak, the franchise lastly broke the curse, delivering a season that may perpetually be etched in historical past.
“The most effective second that in all probability ever existed. RCB successful the trophy and Krunal Pandya bowling that great spell within the remaining. I believe it was a particular spell,” Karthik recalled. “Being a part of that successful workforce was a special day. The way in which they went about it, an outstanding match and a goosebumps second for whoever was part of that match, together with the gang. We have been pushed in some ways, even within the remaining. I believe that was an electrifying second in RCB historical past, ready 18 years to get that title.”
That victory wasn’t nearly lifting the trophy – it was about redemption. Virat Kohli’s calm presence within the remaining and Mohammed Siraj’s clutch bowling within the dying overs completely summed up RCB’s resilience that season.
One other standout second takes us again to the unforgettable 2016 season, the place Kohli produced arguably the best particular person IPL marketing campaign ever. One specific knock in opposition to Punjab Kings stood out – a wide ranging century scored regardless of a painful hand harm.
“Virat Kohli’s hundred in opposition to Punjab Kings at that stage. He had a torn webbing and the best way he gestured after getting that hundred. In a rain-shortened sport, getting 100 is unbelievable,” Karthik expressed. “The way in which he was capable of do it, and what number of runs he bought in that season, upwards of 900, took his workforce single-handedly to the ultimate, tells you the good participant he’s.”
Kohli’s 973-run season stays unmatched, and that innings symbolized pure dedication.
From AB de Villiers’ magic to Yash Dayal’s redemption: Moments that outlined RCB
Karthik’s record additionally celebrates probably the most exceptional comeback knocks in IPL playoff historical past – AB de Villiers; heroic innings in opposition to Gujarat Lions in 2016. With RCB struggling at 29 for five in a high-pressure chase, de Villiers delivered a masterclass that turned the sport on its head.
“AB de Villiers in that must-win sport in opposition to Gujarat Lions, the best way he took RCB to the ultimate. Improbable knock,” Karthik stated, including with a contact of humour: “I’ve a nasty reminiscence in that sport as a result of I used to be conserving for Gujarat. However nonetheless, a terrific knock.”
De Villiers’ unbeaten 79 stays one of many best examples of composure below stress.
Then comes a second no IPL fan can ever neglect – Chris Gayle’s unbelievable 175 not out in opposition to Pune Warriors India in 2013. It wasn’t only a record-breaking innings; it was a show of dominance not often seen in T20 cricket. Sixes rained throughout the stadium, bowlers seemed helpless, and Gayle carved his title into cricketing folklore.
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Lastly, Karthik highlighted a newer reminiscence – the thrilling 2024 conflict in opposition to CSK. It was a must-win sport for RCB, and the stakes couldn’t have been larger. After posting a powerful complete, the match went right down to the wire, with MS Dhoni threatening one more iconic end.
However this time, it was Yash Dayal who had the ultimate say. Defending 17 runs within the final over, he held his nerve brilliantly and dismissed Dhoni, sealing a well-known win and RCB’s playoff qualification.
“The CSK sport the place Yash Dayal will get Dhoni’s wicket in the long run. That was a terrific match. The way in which we pulled it off to get into the knockouts was an ideal second in RCB historical past,” Karthik stated
That victory marked a surprising turnaround for RCB, who had climbed from the underside of the desk to safe a playoff spot with six consecutive wins.
Karthik himself has been a key a part of RCB’s journey, contributing helpful runs and expertise over time. Now, as batting coach, he continues to form the workforce’s future whereas celebrating its previous. As RCB put together to defend their title in IPL 2026, these moments function a reminder of how far the franchise has come – and the legacy they proceed to construct.
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