IPL 2026: Anil Kumble Says Kohli’s Influence and Strong Bowling Helped RCB Win Historic Title
New Delhi, March 11: As the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches its March 28 start, former India captain Anil Kumble has reflected on Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) historic maiden IPL title win last year, crediting Virat Kohli’s leadership and the team’s improved bowling unit for the franchise’s long-awaited success.
Speaking on JioStar, Kumble highlighted that while Kohli remained the central figure of the team, RCB’s bowlers played a decisive role in ensuring the franchise finally lifted the trophy after years of near misses.
Kohli’s Leadership Remains Central
Kumble emphasised that Virat Kohli’s presence continues to be the backbone of RCB’s identity and success. According to him, Kohli not only inspires the fan base but also drives the team’s competitive mindset.
“Virat plays a major part in RCB's success. But if you look at last year, whenever RCB were successful, their bowling unit also came to the fore,” Kumble said.
Kohli, who has been synonymous with the franchise since the early years of the IPL, remains one of the biggest attractions for fans, especially at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Bowling Attack Made the Difference
Kumble pointed out that the strength of the bowling attack proved crucial throughout the championship campaign.
He praised the performances of experienced pacers Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who consistently delivered key breakthroughs during important matches.
Kumble also highlighted the unexpected impact made by the spin duo of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, calling them a “surprise package” for the team.
“I feel Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar certainly contributed a lot. The two spinners, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, were also a surprise package. The bowling unit performed exceptionally well for them to win the trophy,” Kumble explained.
He added that RCB supporters now have greater confidence in the team’s ability to defend totals, thanks to the improved balance in the squad.
“So, I think the fans will certainly throng the Chinnaswamy Stadium to watch Virat Kohli. But I'm sure the fans will also be proud that they have a really strong bowling unit that can defend,” he said.
Mumbai Indians and CSK Still the Benchmark
Kumble also weighed in on the long-running debate about the most successful franchise in IPL history, stating that Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remain the gold standard in the league.
“MI is very close to, or almost the same as CSK when you talk about the greatest team in the IPL, because you can't really distinguish one from the other,” he noted.
He explained that the two franchises have taken different paths to achieve sustained success.
- Chennai Super Kings: Known for backing experienced players and maintaining stability in squad selection.
- Mumbai Indians: Famous for scouting and developing emerging talent from domestic cricket.
Kumble cited examples such as Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah, who rose through the ranks after being identified by Mumbai’s scouting system.
He also mentioned younger players like Nehal Wadhera, who impressed during his time with MI before moving to Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Pujara on MS Dhoni’s Role at CSK
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara also shared his views on MS Dhoni’s batting role for Chennai Super Kings, suggesting that the legendary captain could have a bigger impact if he came in earlier in the batting order.
“I don't see a point in MS Dhoni batting at Number 8 or 9, because he has the potential to turn games around single-handedly,” Pujara said.
He argued that if Dhoni faced 25 to 30 balls instead of just a few deliveries, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter could significantly influence match outcomes.
Drawing from his own experience with the franchise, Pujara described the Chennai Super Kings dressing room environment as stable and supportive.
He said the team operates with clarity about player roles and places strong emphasis on loyalty.
“In that environment, players are very comfortable, it's like a family. There is clarity about what is expected of you as a player,” Pujara explained.
He also noted that the franchise is now going through a gradual transition phase, giving greater opportunities to younger players while maintaining its traditional core values.
With the 19th IPL season set to begin on March 28, discussions around team dynamics, leadership and strategy are intensifying.
RCB’s title-winning campaign has reshaped expectations for the franchise, while debates about the league’s most successful teams and the evolving roles of veteran players like MS Dhoni continue to dominate cricket conversations.
Our Final Thoughts
Anil Kumble’s insights highlight a major shift in RCB’s team structure—moving from a batting-heavy lineup to a balanced squad powered by a reliable bowling attack. As IPL 2026 approaches, fans will be watching closely to see whether RCB can defend their title while franchises like CSK and MI aim to reclaim their dominance.