As the excitement builds for IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans have been handed a perfect dose of nostalgia. Former RCB star and current batting coach Dinesh Karthik recently revisited the franchise’s most iconic memories, listing his top five moments from their IPL journey. Having been closely associated with the team across multiple seasons, Karthik’s picks carry both emotion and insight.
Dinesh Karthik relives RCB’s greatest IPL moments ahead of the 2026 season
In a special segment, he walked fans through unforgettable highs – from record-breaking performances to long-awaited glory – while also including the dramatic 2024 win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a match that still gives fans goosebumps.
At the very top of Karthik’s list sits the moment RCB fans had waited nearly two decades for – their maiden IPL title in 2025. After years of heartbreak, the franchise finally broke the curse, delivering a season that will forever be etched in history.
“The best moment that probably ever existed. RCB winning the trophy and Krunal Pandya bowling that wonderful spell in the final. I think it was a special spell,” Karthik recalled. “Being part of that winning team was a special occasion. The way they went about it, a phenomenal match and a goosebumps moment for whoever was a part of that match, including the crowd. We were pushed in many ways, even in the final. I think that was an electrifying moment in RCB history, waiting 18 years to get that title.”
That victory wasn’t just about lifting the trophy – it was about redemption. Virat Kohli’s calm presence in the final and Mohammed Siraj’s clutch bowling in the death overs perfectly summed up RCB’s resilience that season.
Another standout moment takes us back to the unforgettable 2016 season, where Kohli produced arguably the greatest individual IPL campaign ever. One particular knock against Punjab Kings stood out – a breathtaking century scored despite a painful hand injury.
“Virat Kohli’s hundred against Punjab Kings at that stage. He had a torn webbing and the way he gestured after getting that hundred. In a rain-shortened game, getting a hundred is unbelievable,” Karthik expressed. “The way he was able to do it, and how many runs he got in that season, upwards of 900, took his team single-handedly to the final, tells you the great player he is.”
Kohli’s 973-run season remains unmatched, and that innings symbolized pure determination.
From AB de Villiers’ magic to Yash Dayal’s redemption: Moments that defined RCB
Karthik’s list also celebrates one of the most remarkable comeback knocks in IPL playoff history – AB de Villiers; heroic innings against Gujarat Lions in 2016. With RCB struggling at 29 for 5 in a high-pressure chase, de Villiers delivered a masterclass that turned the game on its head.
“AB de Villiers in that must-win game against Gujarat Lions, the way he took RCB to the final. Fantastic knock,” Karthik said, adding with a touch of humour: “I have a bad memory in that game because I was keeping for Gujarat. But still, a terrific knock.”
De Villiers’ unbeaten 79 remains one of the finest examples of composure under pressure.
Then comes a moment no IPL fan can ever forget – Chris Gayle’s unbelievable 175 not out against Pune Warriors India in 2013. It wasn’t just a record-breaking innings; it was a display of dominance rarely seen in T20 cricket. Sixes rained across the stadium, bowlers looked helpless, and Gayle carved his name into cricketing folklore.
Finally, Karthik highlighted a more recent memory – the thrilling 2024 clash against CSK. It was a must-win game for RCB, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher. After posting a strong total, the match went down to the wire, with MS Dhoni threatening yet another iconic finish.
But this time, it was Yash Dayal who had the final say. Defending 17 runs in the last over, he held his nerve brilliantly and dismissed Dhoni, sealing a famous win and RCB’s playoff qualification.
“The CSK game where Yash Dayal gets Dhoni’s wicket in the end. That was a terrific match. The way we pulled it off to get into the knockouts was a great moment in RCB history,” Karthik said
That victory marked a stunning turnaround for RCB, who had climbed from the bottom of the table to secure a playoff spot with six consecutive wins.
Karthik himself has been a key part of RCB’s journey, contributing valuable runs and experience over the years. Now, as batting coach, he continues to shape the team’s future while celebrating its past. As RCB prepare to defend their title in IPL 2026, these moments serve as a reminder of how far the franchise has come – and the legacy they continue to build.
