Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has named his all-time Indian Premier League (IPL) XI after the 2026 season. The RCB skipper surprisingly left out Rohit Sharma, despite the former Mumbai Indians (MI) captain’s five IPL titles and outstanding record.
Patidar guided RCB to their second IPL title after defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 2026 final. The triumph added another major achievement to his captaincy career, after he led Bengaluru to their maiden IPL title in 2025. He will enter the new season as a two-time defending champion.
Rajat Patidar Names All-Time IPL XI, Snubs Rohit Sharma
Rajat Patidar picked RCB legends Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli as openers in his all-time IPL XI. Gayle scored 4,489 runs in 122 innings as an opener, including 6 centuries and 28 fifties. Kohli has 5,684 runs in 144 innings at the top, with 9 centuries and 44 fifties.
Patidar selected Mumbai Indians star Suryakumar Yadav for No. 3, with Suresh Raina and AB de Villiers at Nos. 4 and 5. He picked Hardik Pandya at No. 6 and veteran wicketkeeper MS Dhoni at No. 7.
Patidar completed his XI with Dale Steyn and Jasprit Bumrah as the 2 frontline pacers, along with Yuzvendra Chahal and Sunil Narine as the 2 spin-bowlers.
Patidar's all-time IPL XI (via SportsLaunchpad): Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Suresh Raina, AB de Villiers, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni, Dale Steyn, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sunil Narine.
Rajat Patidar Joins MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in IPL History
Rajat Patidar became only the 3rd captain to win consecutive IPL titles after leading RCB to their 2nd championship in 2026. He first guided Bengaluru to their maiden IPL trophy in 2025 before successfully defending the title the following season.
Patidar joined MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma on the exclusive list. Dhoni led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to consecutive titles in 2010 and 2011, while Rohit guided Mumbai Indians to championships in 2019 and 2020.
RCB also became only the 3rd team to win back-to-back IPL titles. Dhoni defeated MI and RCB in the 2010 and 2011 finals, respectively, while Rohit’s MI defeated CSK and Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 2019 and 2020 finals.
Rajat Patidar Set to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy
Rajat Patidar will return to domestic cricket as Central Zone captain in the Duleep Trophy 2026. Rinku Singh will serve as his deputy. Central Zone will enter the competition in the 1st semifinal, which begins on August 30 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru.
Patidar led Central Zone to the Duleep Trophy title in 2025 and scored a century in the final. He was also the tournament's leading run-scorer, finishing with 382 runs in 3 matches and 5 innings at an average of 76.40, including 2 centuries and 2 fifties.
Patidar also scored 266 runs in 4 matches during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy at an average of 44.33, including a double century. After another strong IPL season, the right-hander will look to maintain his form in domestic cricket and strengthen his case for a return to the Indian team.
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