Royal Challengers Bangalore has been the unluckiest franchise in IPL history. The Bangalore-based franchise has featured in three IPL finals over the last 12 years, but has choked every time. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have been the cornerstones of the franchise, while the likes of Chris Gayle, Rahul Dravid, KL Rahul, Anil Kumble, Kevin Pietersen, Zaheer Khan, and other greats have been a part of this team.
RCB holds the record for using the most players in IPL history. They change their team combination quite regularly, but here’s a look at the five famous players who were a part of RCB squad but never played a single game.
5.Nuwan Pradeep
Nuwan Pradeep has been one of Sri Lanka’s key fast bowlers in the last few years. The right-arm quick has played 28 Tests, 45 ODIs, and 14 T20Is for the island nation. However, before the Sri Lankan selectors, RCB team management had recognized his talent.
Back in 2011, Pradeep earned a surprising contract from RCB. Unfortunately, he could not make his IPL debut and was released from the squad. Pradeep never returned to the IPL after that season.
4.Nathan Coulter Nile
Australian fast bowler Nathan Coulter Nile is one of the most valuable bowling all-rounders in international cricket right now. The Aussie player is a part of the defending champions Mumbai Indians squad in IPL 2020.
However, last year, he was a part of RCB. Because of their bowling issues, RCB signed him in IPL 2019. Unfortunately, before he could make his debut for RCB, he suffered an injury and got replaced by Dale Steyn.
3.Subramaniam Badrinath
Subramaniam Badrinath was one of the main reasons behind Chennai Super Kings’ success in the initial seasons of the IPL. Badrinath moved to RCB after he was released by MS Dhoni’s franchise.
The right-handed batsman was a part of the RCB squad in 2015, which was also his last IPL seasons. Unfortunately, Bangalore did not use him in any game.
2.Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Another talented Indian player not used by Royal Challengers Bangalore despite his presence in their squad was Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The Meerut-based player was a part of RCB squad in IPL 2009 and 2010. Even though the 2009 season was played outside India in pace friendly conditions, Bangalore did not give a single opportunity to Kumar. He later became a star after joining Pune Warriors India.
He played only one game for RCB in Champions League T20 against the Delhi Daredevils in 2009. Later, he made his IPL debut in 2011 for Pune Warriors India.
1.Steve Smith
Jesse Ryder was one of the most essential members of Royal Challengers Bangalore team in IPL 2009. He played a match-winning role for them in a few matches, but he got injured during the 2010 season.
Bangalore roped in current Rajasthan Royals captain Steve Smith in their team as a replacement. Virat Kohli and Smith were in the same team at that point in time, but RCB released Smith without giving him a single match. Like Bhuvi, Smith became a part of Pune Warriors in the next season.
