In the Indian Premier League (IPL), one of the most well-liked teams is the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Despite their immense talent, they have yet to secure an IPL trophy.
Over the years, RCB has released several players who went on to achieve remarkable success with other teams. Here’s a look at five players you probably didn’t know once donned the RCB jersey.
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5. Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali joined RCB in 2018 and played a crucial role as an all-rounder. Although he had some impactful performances, he was released after just one season. Following his departure, Ali became a key player for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), helping them clinch the IPL title in 2021.
His ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him an invaluable asset for CSK, showcasing his true potential away from RCB.
4. Quinton de Kock
South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock had a brief stint with RCB before moving to the Mumbai Indians (MI). While at RCB, he displayed flashes of brilliance but was unable to secure a permanent spot in the playing XI.
After leaving RCB, de Kock became a vital cog for MI, scoring over 500 runs in multiple seasons and contributing significantly to their success, including winning the IPL title in 2020.
3. Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal, known for his exceptional spin bowling, was a standout performer for RCB from 2014 to 2021. However, he was released before the 2022 season and subsequently picked up by the Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Chahal quickly proved his worth by winning the Purple Cap in 2022, becoming one of the leading wicket-takers in that season. His journey post-RCB highlights how crucial he was to any team he played for.
2. Shane Watson
Australian all-rounder Shane Watson had a notable spell with RCB before finding greater success with the Chennai Super Kings. During his time at RCB, Watson showcased his explosive batting but struggled with consistency.
After moving to CSK, he played pivotal roles in their title-winning campaigns in 2018 and 2021, proving that he could deliver under pressure.
1. KL Rahul
Topping our list is KL Rahul, who initially joined RCB in 2013 and returned again in 2016. Despite showing promise with a remarkable strike rate and scoring several half-centuries, he was released after the 2017 season.
Rahul found his footing with Punjab Kings (PBKS), where he not only scored over 600 runs in multiple seasons but also won the Orange Cap in 2020. His transformation into one of India’s premier batsmen post-RCB is a testament to his talent and resilience.
Conclusion
The journey of these five players illustrates how talent can flourish even after leaving a franchise like RCB. Each player has carved out a successful career elsewhere, often shining brighter than they did during their time with Bangalore.
As fans continue to support RCB through thick and thin, it’s interesting to reflect on how these former players have thrived after their departures.
By recognizing these talents, we gain insight into the unpredictable nature of cricket and the potential that lies within every player sometimes waiting for the right opportunity to shine.
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