Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has been a hub of some of the most entertaining batsmen in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While they have yet to win an IPL title, their batting lineup has always been a force to reckon with. Their highest team total of 263/5 against PWI in 2012 is an IPL record. Let’s look closer at the top five most incredible RCB batters of all time who have won the hearts of millions of fans.
1. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is RCB’s top run-scorer in the IPL, with 6,411 runs in 208 innings at an average of 36.43 and a strike rate of 129.72. In 2016, Kohli scored 973 runs, led RCB to the final, and was the highest six-hitter that season. He played consistently, anchored innings, and attacked when required.
2. AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers is a legendary T20 batsman who joined RCB in 2011, scoring 4,491 runs in 145 innings at an average of 39.71 and a strike rate of 151.69. He was highly consistent and scored faster than his peers. In 2016, he scored 687 runs at an average of 52.85 and a strike rate of 168.80, which was his best season.
3. Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle’s aggressive T20 batting style scored 3,163 runs in 84 innings for RCB with a 39.72 average and a 152.73 strike rate. His highest T20 score of 175* was against Pune Warriors in 2013, and his peak was hugely impactful, despite declining in his final seasons.
4. Ross Taylor
Ross Taylor is an underrated performer for RCB in the IPL. He played during the pre-de Villiers era and scored 517 runs in 20 innings at an average of 30.41 and a strike rate of 142.03. Taylor was a match-winner in the middle order, rescuing the team from difficult situations.
5. Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell is a surprise inclusion on the list, but his performances justify it. In the past two seasons, he scored 814 runs in 27 innings with an average of 35.39 and a strike rate of 152.43. He ranks 7th on the franchise’s all-time run-getters list.