IPL 2023: RCB to Retire...; Set to Give Tribute to 'These Legends'

image-lfdui4p3IPL 2023: AB de Villiers & Chris Gayle were the pionners of RCB's batting (Twitter)

Despite winning any titles, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) may have been the most celebrated franchise in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). One prime reason for RCB's extremist fandom has been their paramount cricketers - Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle.

Kohli, de Villiers and Gayle were the beams of the Bangalore-based franchise from 2011 till 2017 - after Gayle parted ways to join Punjab. During their time at RCB, this trio, alongside Tillakaratne Dilshan initially and later with KL Rahul, were considered the most formidable batting unit of the IPL.

However, Bangalore's bowling never complimented their batting as they lacked balance throughout the 15 years of IPL.

Now, before the start of the upcoming edition of the IPL, the franchise has decided to retire the jerseys of their two retired legendary batters - i.e. Jersey No. 17 of ABD and the iconic Chest No. 333 of Universe Boss.



Gayle and de Villiers have been the torchbearers of not just RCB but the league as well. The duo have played some of the most enthralling innings while donning the RCB colours, helping the team reach IPL finals in 2011 & 2016 and 2011's Champions League final.

Meanwhile, RCB's batting pioneers - Kohli, de Villiers and Gayle will be reuniting on March 27 at the franchise's unboxing event in Bangalore to reveal the latest jersey for the upcoming edition of the IPL.

RCB still may have to win their maiden silverware, but they have been looked at as a consistent outfit of late. They are the only IPL team to make the playoffs in the last three successive seasons. 

In IPL 2023, with all basis covers, the team in Red and Black will start the edition as the favourites under the astute leadership of Faf du Plessis.