The anticipation for IPL 2026 is reaching a fever pitch as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to defend their hard-earned crown. Following their historic maiden title win in 2025, the franchise is no longer the underdog but the target. Amidst this high-stakes environment, the heartbeat of the team, Virat Kohli, has sent social media into a frenzy by naming his all-time RCB XI.
In a newly surfaced video shared by RCB’s official handles, the 36-year-old maestro, who was instrumental in the 2025 triumph, looked back at the legends who built the foundation of the franchise. While the lineup is a ‘Who’s Who’ of T20 royalty, the most significant inclusion wasn’t a power-hitter, but a legendary leg-spinner: Anil Kumble. By slotting ‘Anil Bhai’ into the bowling attack, Kohli has bridged a decade-long gap, signalling a profound respect for the man who once led him in his formative years.
Virat Kohli picks his all-time RCB XI
Kohli’s selection is a tactical masterpiece, balancing the explosive ‘Big Three’ era with the grit of the 2025 champions. He chose himself and Chris Gayle to open the innings, a duo that holds some of the most prolific partnerships in T20 history. At the pivotal No. 3 spot sits AB de Villiers, the man Kohli often calls the most gifted player he’s played with.
The middle order reflects Kohli’s deep appreciation for technical prowess and local talent. KL Rahul, despite his move to Delhi Capitals for the 2026 season, earned the No. 4 spot for his stellar 2016 run. Interestingly, Kohli gave the nod to Rajat Patidar at No. 5, citing his “incredible ability to play spin,” followed by the evergreen finisher Dinesh Karthik.
However, the bowling department is where the real “heavy metal” resides. With a pace attack featuring Mitchell Starc and Dale Steyn, Kohli opted for pure intimidation. But the selection of Yuzvendra Chahal and Anil Kumble ensures that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium’s small boundaries are defended by the highest level of craft.
Kohli’s chosen all-time RCB XI
Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers, KL Rahul, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, Harshal Patel, Anil Kumble, Mitchell Starc, Dale Steyn, Yuzvendra Chahal
The significance of the Anil Kumble-Kohli connection
The highlight of the reveal was undoubtedly the inclusion of Kumble at No. 8. For seasoned cricket fans, this isn’t just a tactical choice; it’s a sentimental one. The relationship between Kohli and Kumble has been a subject of intense scrutiny since 2017, following Kumble’s high-profile resignation as the Head Coach of the Indian National Team. At the time, Kumble described the partnership as “untenable,” sparking years of rumors regarding a rift between the two icons.
By naming Kumble in his greatest XI, Kohli has effectively silenced the ghosts of the past. It serves as a public acknowledgment of Kumble’s massive impact on RCB during the 2009 and 2010 seasons, where ‘Jumbo’ led the team with a fierce, competitive spirit that Kohli himself eventually adopted.
This gesture comes at a perfect time. As RCB gears up to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 opener, Kohli’s focus is clearly on legacy and unity. He isn’t just looking to defend a trophy; he is honouring the lineage of a club that took 18 years to reach the summit. With Anil Bhai leading the hypothetical spin attack, Kohli’s All-Time XI isn’t just a team, it’s a tribute to the resilience of the Bold Brigade.
