Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) all-time best XI in IPL history
Although the Bengaluru-based franchise hasn’t had much success to boast about, they have finished as runners up on three occasions (2009, 2011 and 2016).
8. Anil Kumble
With Jumbo’s inclusion, that completes another trio of players (Dravid, Kallis and Kumble) who played together at RCB for a certain period of time (2008-2010). RCB’s management decided to release two of these three players after the 2010 campaign but they’re still some of the best players to play for RCB. Despite playing only three seasons for the “Bold Army”, Kumble is their third-highest wicket-taker of all time.
In 2009, took a five-wicket haul conceding just 5 runs against the defending champions Rajasthan Royals. After the departure of Kevin Pietersen for international commitments, Kumble was named as the captain of the Royal Challengers. Though RCB could not win the tournament, Kumble ended as the most successful spin bowler and the 2nd highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 21 wickets at an economy rate of 5.86 runs per over.
He has taken a total of 53 wickets in 51 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and the CLT20. His economy rate of 6.65 during that period just goes to show how difficult it was to score runs off Kumble’s four overs. He has picked up 2 four-wicket hauls and 1 five-wicket haul in the IPL. After retirement, he joined RCB’s backroom staff as the chief mentor.
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