Anil Kumble Declares Virat Kohli and RCB as Inseparable in IPL Legacy
In a recent interview ahead of the much-anticipated IPL 2026 season, legendary former India captain and spinner Anil Kumble has underscored the profound and enduring connection between batting maestro Virat Kohli and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise. Kumble asserted that this bond is so strong that it mirrors the iconic association between MS Dhoni and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
RCB's Identity Built Around Kohli's Leadership and Presence
Speaking exclusively to JioStar, the 55-year-old former India head coach elaborated on how RCB's identity has been fundamentally shaped by Kohli over the past decade. "RCB's identity is still built around him. If you look back at RCB over the last 10-12 years, it has always been about someone like Virat Kohli," Kumble stated. He highlighted that since Kohli took over the captaincy in 2013, his presence has been a cornerstone of the franchise's ethos and fan engagement.
Kumble also expressed his fascination with the overwhelming support shown by Bengaluru fans, even for opposing players associated with RCB. He recalled the reception for former South Africa captain AB de Villiers during his 100th Test match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. "I was fascinated when AB walked in to play his 100th Test match; you could see the kind of reception he received even while representing South Africa. That shows the kind of love people of Bengaluru have for RCB and for Virat," he remarked, noting similar adoration for Chris Gayle.
Legacy Comparison: Kohli-RCB Parallels Dhoni-CSK
Drawing a direct parallel to one of the IPL's most celebrated partnerships, Kumble emphasized that Kohli's legacy with RCB is set in stone. "Like we speak about MS Dhoni and CSK, Virat and RCB will always be synonymous, and I don't think that will change. That legacy will remain," he affirmed, reinforcing the idea that some player-franchise relationships become defining elements of the league's history.
Spinners Pivotal in RCB's Maiden Title Triumph
Reflecting on RCB's breakthrough IPL championship win last season, Kumble credited the crucial roles played by spinners Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma. He pointed out that their consistent bowling performances were instrumental in guiding the team to the final and securing the title. "What stood out for me last season were the contributions from the two spinners, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma. They brought consistency in the bowling performances, which helped RCB reach the final and eventually win it," Kumble explained.
He also acknowledged the reliable efforts of the fast bowlers, including Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, who he said always had the credentials to execute their roles effectively under pressure.
Kohli's Evolution: Anticipating New Shots in IPL 2026
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Kumble discussed Virat Kohli's continuous drive for improvement and his enhanced strike rate. He noted that great players like Kohli are never satisfied and constantly seek to challenge themselves. "Great players always look to improve; they are never satisfied. Every season, you want to make corrections, not just for the team but also for your own growth and to challenge yourself," Kumble observed.
Intriguingly, Kumble predicted that Kohli might introduce new batting innovations in IPL 2026, potentially incorporating shots like the scoop or reverse scoop into his repertoire. "Don't be surprised if he comes into this season with a different outlook, perhaps trying something like the scoop shot or the reverse scoop. We have seen AB de Villiers do that consistently over the years, and Virat could add that to his batting repertoire as well," he concluded, highlighting Kohli's adaptability and relentless pursuit of excellence.
