What was RCB’s playing XI in the inaugural game of IPL and where are the players now?

M Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to head into trip down memory as Indian Premier League (IPL) celebrates its anniversary. It was on this day (18th April) in 2008 that the league which initially was an eight-team tournament came into being. In the very first game of the tournament, hosts Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) took on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in what was a lop-sided contest. 

It was KKR who were asked to bat first after RCB skipper Rahul Dravid won the toss. Zaheer Khan got the home team going with the wicket of Sourav Ganguly for 10 runs caught by Jacques Kallis in the sixth over. The night though belonged to Brendon McCullum who smashed 158 not out from 73 balls with 10 fours and 13 sixes. This helped KKR reach 222 on the board from their 20 overs. 

In response, RCB were bundled out four just 82 runs with Praveen Kumar’s 18 being the top score. Virat Kohli, who is now the leading run-scorer in IPL history had made just one run from five balls before he saw his stumps get shattered by Ashok Dinda. The 2008 season was miserable for RCB who ended seventh in the table with eight points from their 14 games. 

On 18th April, 2025, RCB head out to the field once again at the same Chinnaswamy Stadium. This time they take on Punjab Kings at home in what is set to be a key encounter. In a strange twist of irony one of the player who was part of the first IPL game, Sunil Joshi is now the assistant coach of Punjab Kings. 

RCB’s first XI current whereabouts 

Wasim Jaffer and Rahul Dravid opened the batting for Bengaluru in the first match of IPL in 2008. Rahul Dravid is now the coach of Rajasthan Royals after leading India to the T20 World Cup glory in 2024. Wasim Jaffer retired as one of the greatest batters in India’s domestic cricket and ventured into coaching and also is known for his quirky comments on social media. 

Virat Kohli has been steadfast in his commitment to RCB and is still playing for the side. Kohli, is the top run getter in IPL history with over 8000 runs so far and also led the side to have the longest tenure as the captain in RCB’s history. Jacques Kallis retired as one of the greats in the game and got into coaching post his retirement. Cameron White then retired from the game in 2020 and is looking to begin his next journey as a coach. Mark Boucher, retired as one of the greatest wicketkeepers in the world and has ventured into coaching as well. Boucher was the coach of Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024 season before being replaced by Mahela Jayawardene ahead of the 2025 campaign. 

Balchandra Akhil who made his debut in the RCB vs KKR IPL 2008 game called time on his career the next season. The former Karnataka cricketer has gone onto become a commentator since his retirement. Ashley Noffke played one ODI and two T20I games before making his RCB debut. The right-arm pacer retired in 2010 and is currently coaching in New Zealand. 

Praveen Kumar enjoyed a few years in RCB colors as well as the Indian national team before injuries and bad form ended his cricketing career. The former seamer faded from public memory before his re-emergence last year. Zaheer Khan who retired as one of India’s greatest pacers is currently the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants. Former India and Karnataka left-arm spinner as said earlier is currently the assistant coach of Punjab Kings. Joshi and Kohli are the only two members of the original RCB side that will meet face to face on Friday as IPL conquers yet another key milestone. 

RCB XI vs KKR in IPL 2008, Match 1

Rahul Dravid (C), Wasim Jaffer, Virat Kohli, Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher (WK), Cameron White, Balchandra Akhil, Ashley Noffke, Praveen Kumar, Zaheer Khan, Sunil Joshi