IPL 2019: Top 5 batsmen with most IPL runs against Royal Challengers Bangalore

The 12th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to start tomorrow. Royal Challengers Bangalore take on the defending champions Chennai Super Kings at Chennai in the tournament opener. The expectations from the league is sky high at the moment which is noticeable across social media and among the fans. Also, MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings taking on Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament opener makes it even more interesting.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have been a team to beat since the first edition, even though they are yet to win the trophy. This year too they look the same and as always, the hopes are high on them to win their maiden title. The path to the trophy would be really hard for them as there are certain players in opposition teams who find a special liking for RCB.

Here we list down the top 5 batsmen who have a special liking for RCB and have accumulated maximum runs against them:

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#5 David Warner - 569 runs

David Warner

The 5th in the list is the little dynamite, David Warner, who started his IPL career for Delhi Daredevils and later moved on to Sunrisers Hyderabad. He has blossomed over the years to become an important aspect of the team. Be it for Delhi or Hyderabad, Warner has had a fine run when the opponents were RCB.

His dominant knock of 92 against RCB in 2016 was one of the best knocks that he has played against them and it remains his highest score against the red brigade. The quickfire 68 off 38 in 2016 IPL final against RCB was a crucial factor that assisted SRH to clinch their first title. In 14 matches he played against RCB, Warner has scored 569 runs with a massive strike rate of 162.57. David Warner is back in SRH camp after serving a year ban for sandpaper allegations and will be looking to script an amazing comeback this year.

#4 Rohit Sharma - 613 runs

Rohit Sharma

The 4th player in the list is India’s vice-captain, Rohit Sharma, who is one player who has improved by miles in the past 5 years after having a dull start to his career. He started his IPL career with Deccan Chargers and then moved on to Mumbai Indians.

It reaped benefits for him as well as the team which is a well-known story. Rohit, who can smash boundaries at ease, has played 24 matches against RCB and has scored 612 runs in those matches. Rohit Sharma made a brilliant knock of 94 against RCB last year. The knock stands testimony for what Rohit is capable of as he came in when the team was struggling at 0-2 in 0.2 overs. He steadied the ship and ensured the team reaches a secure total.

Sharma was severely criticized last year as Mumbai Indians failed to qualify for the playoffs. One among the reasons for their failure was Rohit’s inconsistency. Hopefully, Hitman shall make it count this time and has a fine season this year.

#3 Suresh Raina - 642 runs

Suresh Raina

The next player in the list is Mr. IPL, Suresh Raina, who has been with Chennai Super Kings since the start of the IPL and has played some glorious innings in these 11 years. He has always had a predilection for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Raina has played a total of 26 matches against RCB and has scored 642 runs against them which includes 4 half centuries. One among those innings that shall forever be etched in our memories is Raina’s 73* against RCB in 2011 playoffs which steered the team to the final. RCB posted a stiff target of 176 in the first qualifier of the 2011 edition. CSK were 2 down for 7 runs and were in a worrisome state. Raina then played an excellent inning that won the match for the team. Raina, who is currently out of form, will look to perform well in this IPL and revive his career.

#2 Gautam Gambhir - 647 runs

Gautam Gambhir

The No. 2 player in this list is the man behind India’s 2 World Cup victories -- Gautam Gambhir. He has played for DD and KKR in the past and has had a really great career in IPL. He was the main reason for KKR’s 2 IPL trophies and has played numerous innings that won the match for his team.

In 20 matches that he has featured in against RCB, Gambhir has scored 647 runs with a fine strike rate of 134.51 and 6 half centuries. Gambhir’s best against RCB came in 2012 when he opened the batting and played some frame-worthy shots. He made 93 runs off just 51 balls with 9 fours and 5 sixes which helped KKR reach a humongous total of 190/3 in their 20 overs. RCB faltered in their chase as they scored only 143 runs in their 20 overs, thus losing by 47 runs. Gambhir hung up his boots last year after a poor season with Delhi.

#1 MS Dhoni - 710 runs

MS Dhoni

The leading run-scorer against RCB is none other than the Captain Cool, MS Dhoni. He has always been a player to watch out for. Be it his wicket keeping, captaincy or finishing ability, Dhoni has had his own way of doing them in a stylish and successful manner.

Dhoni has played 25 matches against RCB and has scored a mammoth 710 runs in those matches with an impressive strike rate of 140.40. In 2018 IPL, Dhoni played a knock to remember against RCB. They posted a huge total of 205 on the board with AB de Villiers being the standout performer, who scored a blistering 68 off 30 balls.

Chasing the huge target, CSK lost regular wickets and at one point they were struggling at just 74/4 in 9 overs. Dhoni then joined hands with Ambati Rayudu and played an extraordinary inning that won the match for CSK. His knock of 70 runs came in just 34 balls which included 1 four and 7 sixes. Dhoni was in fine form last year which helped CSK lift the title for the 3rd time and he will hope to replicate the same this year as well.