Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Anil Kumble reflected on Virat Kohli's overwhelming importance in the RCB side and called him out as one of the central reasons behind RCB's immense stardom. He has also hinted at a possible transformation in Virat Kohli's batting approach in 2026.
After having picked up his prime from his golden years, Virat Kohli has been in some touch in the ODI format, while he has retired internationally from Tests and T20Is. He continues to play in the IPL for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and will soon be seen in RCB colours.
The Indian batting maestro amassed 657 runs in 15 innings in the last season for the defending champions. He was their best batter in the format and also amassed the third-highest runs in the IPL. He was their most consistent performer in RCB's maiden IPL triumph.
Former RCB skipper Anil Kumble, who has led the Challengers formerly in the IPL, went on to reflect on Virat Kohli's deep-rooted bond with the franchise he has been playing for for around 18 years. He also pointed out the loyalty of the fans in Bengaluru.
"Yes, 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. Once he took over the captaincy in 2013, it has been about his presence with the franchise," he said.
"Of course, AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle received a similar kind of support. I was fascinated when AB walked in to play his 100th Test match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium; you could see the kind of reception he received even while representing South Africa.
Anil Kumble hints at Virat Kohli's ABD-like transformation in IPL 2026
"That shows the kind of love people of Bengaluru have for RCB and for Virat. 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," Kumble said on Star Sports' IPL Today Live.
The legendary Indian spinner spoke about the mentality of legendary cricketers, and he stressed that they always tend to evolve and do more for their betterment. He hinted that Kohli could manifest new strokes this season
Virat Kohli eyes massive IPL milestone in 2026
As one of the league's biggest draws, his comeback in the IPL always adds up to some immense buzz. Virat managed to score 8661 runs in 267 IPL matches and is the highest run-scorer in the history of the competition.
He is on the brink of being the first ever cricketer to have scored 9000 runs in the history of the IPL. He could be the first-ever player in the history of any franchise tournament to amass 9000 runs in a single tournament.
Also, the veteran cricketer has 13543 runs and could be the fifth cricketer to have amassed 14000+ runs in T20 cricket after the end of this year's IPL. Kohli has been consistently scoring over 500+ runs, and this would be his set target in the upcoming season as well.
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