RCB vs DC: Anil Kumble delivers no-nonsense verdict on Virat Kohli

Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli have a bitter history, but the legendary spinner never hesitates to laud the Indian batting maestro for his batting prowess and contribution to Indian cricket. Kohli is currently on fire with the bat in the ongoing IPL 2024, and Kumble yet again showered rich praise on the star batter.

Kumble, former Team India head coach, showered praise on Kohli's exceptional form in the ongoing IPL 2024 while highlighting his relentless pursuit of excellence following a brief break before the start of the tournament.

With an impressive tally of 634 runs in 12 games so far, Kohli is leading the batting charts in the ongoing IPL season. He crossed the 600-run mark for the fourth time in the IPL. KL Rahul also achieved the same feat in the IPL.

Anil Kumble hails Virat Kohli's IPL 2024 heroics

Well, Kumble mentioned that the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) would hope Kohli to continue his incredible form with the bat to help them reach the IPL 2024 playoffs, as they still have two games in the tournament, but other equations would also have to fall their way to make it to the Top-4 this season.

As India prepares for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and Caribbean, Kumble stressed the need for Kohli to carry his exceptional form into the mega event, where his leadership and batting prowess will be instrumental in the Men in Blue’s quest for the coveted trophy. India will kick off their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against Ireland on June 5.

His comments came after Virat Kohli played another mind-blowing knock of 92 runs off just 47 balls to help RCB beat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 60 runs in the 58th IPL 2024 match in Dharamshala on May 9. With this match-winning knock, the dashing right-hander equaled KL Rahul’s record for most seasons with 600 or more runs in IPL history.

India would want Virat Kohli's IPL 2024 form to continue in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble said on Jio Cinema: “Yeah, absolutely. He's been in outstanding form. He had a bit of a break coming into the IPL, and then he's just been relentless in his pursuit of excellence. And you could see that. I mean, he's at the top of the table there with 634 runs, and I'm sure RCB would want him to win the next two games, and hopefully, qualify. But, you know, for India's sake, you would want this form to continue in the World Cup as well.”

Notably, with this massive win over PBKS, RCB climbed to the 7th spot in the IPL 2024 points table with 10 points from 11 games in the tournament. RCB won back-to-back four games after their early struggle in the tournament.

Now, the RCB will be hoping to beat Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 12 and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 18 in their remaining games in the ongoing IPL 2024 to have any playoff chances.

Well, speaking about the rift between Kohli and Kumble, it was a turbulent chapter in Indian cricket. The tension between the two iconic figures of Indian cricket surfaced during Kumble's tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team.

Reports claimed alleged differences between the former Indian skipper Kohli and Kumble over the head coach’s coaching methods, leading to strained relationships and the resignation of the legendary cricketer in 2022.