10 Legendary International Cricketers Who Shaped RCB’s IPL Legacy: From AB de Villiers to Chris Gayle
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Since its debut in 2008, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has been one of the most popular IPL franchises, captivating fans with star-studded line-ups and thrilling performances. Despite falling short of the IPL title for nearly two decades, RCB’s passionate supporters stayed loyal. Finally, in 2025, the team clinched their maiden IPL trophy, sparking nationwide celebrations. This victory was the culmination of years of grit, talent, and the contributions of some of cricket’s biggest international stars.
Here’s a look at 10 world-famous cricketers who have donned the RCB jersey and left an unforgettable mark on the team’s journey to IPL glory.
1. AB de Villiers (2011–2021): The “Mr. 360” of RCB
South African maestro AB de Villiers redefined batting with his incredible range of shots. Scoring over 4,500 runs for RCB, his explosive style and match-winning partnerships—especially with Virat Kohli—were the backbone of the team’s batting strength for a decade. Loved for his humility and fearless approach, AB remains an RCB legend.
2. Chris Gayle (2011–2017): The “Universe Boss” Powerhouse
Chris Gayle brought raw power and entertainment to RCB’s lineup. His record-breaking 175 runs in just 66 balls remains the highest individual score in IPL history. With five centuries for RCB, Gayle’s dominance at the crease struck fear into bowlers and won hearts globally.
3. Jacques Kallis (2008–2010): The Dependable All-Rounder
In RCB’s early days, Jacques Kallis was a steady presence. His consistent batting and useful medium-pace bowling added balance to the team. Kallis’s experience helped lay a solid foundation during the formative years of the franchise.
4. Shane Watson (2016–2017): The Versatile Match-Winner
Though his stint was brief, Shane Watson’s all-round skills provided much-needed flexibility. His powerful hitting and handy bowling contributed in crucial moments, while his leadership qualities strengthened the squad.
5. Travis Head (2016–2017): The Promising Middle-Order Calm
Travis Head showcased solid technique and composure during his short time with RCB. His ability to steady the innings under pressure added depth to the batting line-up.
6. Quinton de Kock (2018): The Aggressive Opener and Wicketkeeper
Quinton de Kock’s explosive starts and sharp wicketkeeping made an immediate impact during his single season. His aggressive strokeplay at the top set the tone for RCB’s innings.
7. Marcus Stoinis (2019): The Hard-Hitting All-Rounder
Marcus Stoinis’s aggressive batting and handy medium pace bolstered RCB’s lower-middle order. Though short-lived, his contributions helped stabilize the team’s balance between bat and ball.
8. Glenn Maxwell (2021–2024): The Dynamic All-Round Performer
Australian star Glenn Maxwell became a key player with his quickfire batting and effective off-spin. His energy and ability to turn games around made him one of RCB’s standout match-winners.
9. Faf du Plessis (2022–2024): The Calm and Consistent Leader
Faf du Plessis brought maturity and strong leadership to RCB as captain. Scoring over 1,600 runs with consistent starts, his calm presence helped the team stay composed during pressure situations and crucial matches.
10. Josh Hazlewood (2022–2025): The Reliable Strike Bowler
Josh Hazlewood’s precision bowling has been vital in controlling runs and picking wickets, especially in powerplays. His contributions in the 2025 season were instrumental in RCB’s journey to their first IPL title, taking 21 wickets in the campaign.
RCB’s Historic 2025 Squad: A Blend of Experience and Fresh Talent
Led by captain Rajat Patidar, RCB’s 2025 winning squad combined star power with emerging talent. Alongside veterans like Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Josh Hazlewood, the team featured promising players such as Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, and Rasikh Dar Salam, creating the perfect mix for IPL glory.
RCB’s rise to IPL champions in 2025 was built on years of resilience and the brilliance of world-class players. From the explosive batting of AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle to the strategic leadership of Faf du Plessis and the deadly bowling of Josh Hazlewood, each star played a unique role in shaping the franchise’s legacy. For millions of RCB fans, the wait ended on a historic night filled with joy and pride.
Here’s a look at 10 world-famous cricketers who have donned the RCB jersey and left an unforgettable mark on the team’s journey to IPL glory.
1. AB de Villiers (2011–2021): The “Mr. 360” of RCB
South African maestro AB de Villiers redefined batting with his incredible range of shots. Scoring over 4,500 runs for RCB, his explosive style and match-winning partnerships—especially with Virat Kohli—were the backbone of the team’s batting strength for a decade. Loved for his humility and fearless approach, AB remains an RCB legend.2. Chris Gayle (2011–2017): The “Universe Boss” Powerhouse
Chris Gayle brought raw power and entertainment to RCB’s lineup. His record-breaking 175 runs in just 66 balls remains the highest individual score in IPL history. With five centuries for RCB, Gayle’s dominance at the crease struck fear into bowlers and won hearts globally. 3. Jacques Kallis (2008–2010): The Dependable All-Rounder
In RCB’s early days, Jacques Kallis was a steady presence. His consistent batting and useful medium-pace bowling added balance to the team. Kallis’s experience helped lay a solid foundation during the formative years of the franchise.4. Shane Watson (2016–2017): The Versatile Match-Winner
Though his stint was brief, Shane Watson’s all-round skills provided much-needed flexibility. His powerful hitting and handy bowling contributed in crucial moments, while his leadership qualities strengthened the squad. 5. Travis Head (2016–2017): The Promising Middle-Order Calm
Travis Head showcased solid technique and composure during his short time with RCB. His ability to steady the innings under pressure added depth to the batting line-up. 6. Quinton de Kock (2018): The Aggressive Opener and Wicketkeeper
Quinton de Kock’s explosive starts and sharp wicketkeeping made an immediate impact during his single season. His aggressive strokeplay at the top set the tone for RCB’s innings. 7. Marcus Stoinis (2019): The Hard-Hitting All-Rounder
Marcus Stoinis’s aggressive batting and handy medium pace bolstered RCB’s lower-middle order. Though short-lived, his contributions helped stabilize the team’s balance between bat and ball.8. Glenn Maxwell (2021–2024): The Dynamic All-Round Performer
Australian star Glenn Maxwell became a key player with his quickfire batting and effective off-spin. His energy and ability to turn games around made him one of RCB’s standout match-winners. 9. Faf du Plessis (2022–2024): The Calm and Consistent Leader
Faf du Plessis brought maturity and strong leadership to RCB as captain. Scoring over 1,600 runs with consistent starts, his calm presence helped the team stay composed during pressure situations and crucial matches. 10. Josh Hazlewood (2022–2025): The Reliable Strike Bowler
Josh Hazlewood’s precision bowling has been vital in controlling runs and picking wickets, especially in powerplays. His contributions in the 2025 season were instrumental in RCB’s journey to their first IPL title, taking 21 wickets in the campaign. RCB’s Historic 2025 Squad: A Blend of Experience and Fresh Talent
Led by captain Rajat Patidar, RCB’s 2025 winning squad combined star power with emerging talent. Alongside veterans like Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Josh Hazlewood, the team featured promising players such as Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, and Rasikh Dar Salam, creating the perfect mix for IPL glory. RCB’s rise to IPL champions in 2025 was built on years of resilience and the brilliance of world-class players. From the explosive batting of AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle to the strategic leadership of Faf du Plessis and the deadly bowling of Josh Hazlewood, each star played a unique role in shaping the franchise’s legacy. For millions of RCB fans, the wait ended on a historic night filled with joy and pride.
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