Royal Challengers Bengaluru is probably the most widely followed and passionately supported franchises in the Indian Premier League. It has the highest following on social media and was founded in 2008.
This Karnataka state-based franchise is known for its star-studded player performances, who have captivated the hearts of audiences for many years now. The team has featured some of the biggest names in cricket, which include Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle and many more.
Despite their immense presence and strength, RCB is yet to win an IPL title. Their motto of ‘Play Bold’ reflects as the name suggests, their fearless approach towards every game they play. Known for creating some thrilling match experiences, this team has played a significant role in making the IPL a really watch-worthy tournament.
Known for having a packed crowd and lively atmosphere in their home matches, RCB continues to be a strong contender, eyeing for their championship glory season on season. Virat Kohli is the biggest name to have been associated with the Bengaluru based franchise since the start of the league. For any batsman, to score runs is basic. But scoring against a strong team makes it more special. Many batters over the years have claimed runs against this side and in this article, we talk about the top five players, who have made the maximum runs against the RCB unit.
- Ambati Rayudu – The former middle-order batsman and IPL expert, Ambati Rayudu has been one of the few players to have won the IPL title on most occasions. The batting star has won the title six times, thrice with Mumbai Indians and thrice with Chennai Super Kings. Rayudu had played 26 matches against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and scored a total of 728 runs. His strike rate of 123 which comprises of three half-centuries make him one of the highest run scorers against RCB, a team he absolutely used to enjoy playing against, until his retirement from the format.
- Ajinkya Rahane – A veteran cricketer, Ajinkya Rahane as per popular opinion is known to be an under-utilized and under-rated batters in the history of IPL. Currently the captain of KKR franchise, he has found his success while batting against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in his encounters. Rahane has played 26 matches against RCB so far and scored 801 runs as of now, with a strike rate of 134. He has also hit one century and five half-centuries against them to put himself 4th on the list, which speaks of his capability as a player.
- Rohit Sharma – The third place on this list is taken by Indian captain and former MI skipper Rohit Sharma. He has one of the best IPL records against RCB and the numbers present a true picture. He has played 34 games against the RCB unit and smashed 848 runs with a strike rate of 136. His debut match against them in 2008 made him score a fifty, when he was a part of the Deccan Chargers team. So far, Sharma has hit seven half-centuries against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and overall, he has amassed more than 8000 runs in his IPL career.
- David Warner – Whenever we speak about memorable overseas batters who changed the face of IPL and took it to another level, David Warner’s name comes to mind quite naturally. The former Australian batter has been one of the best players in the league. During his celebrated IPL stint, Warner participated in 23 matches against RCB and scored a whopping 862 runs altogether. Out of these runs, there’s one century as well as nine half-centuries, which is amazing. His fabulous strike rate of 160 when playing against RCB remains unchallenged, courtesy his destructive and aggressive approach on field.
- MS Dhoni – There is hardly a record that MS Dhoni doesn’t hold in the history of cricket. One of the most successful captains India has ever produced, Dhoni has won all possible ICC Trophies that exist, and has been the most successful IPL skipper, making his franchise CSK win the title a record five times. His power with the bat against RCB is admirable, having played 37 matches until now. Dhoni tops the list of having scored the most runs against Bengaluru men, a massive 894 runs at a strike rate of 143. Dhoni’s personal best was 84 not out during an intense chase at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, making him smash four fifties against RCB.
Apart from the names mentioned above, former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum holds the record for the most runs in a single match against RCB. This record till date remains unbeaten and it happened during the inaugural season IPL 2008’s first ever matches played between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). McCullum scored 158 runs alone from just 73 balls with 10 fours and 13 sixes.
