IPL 2019: Anil Kumble Explains the Reason for Ignoring Virat Kohli from His IPL XI

May 13, 2019 at 11:36 AM

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IPL 2019: Anil Kumble Explains the Reason for Ignoring Virat Kohli from His IPL XI

Team India and Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli is undoubtedly the greatest batsman of the modern generation. However, he had a relatively mediocre season with the bat in the ongoing IPL and managed to lead his franchise to just 5 victories in 14 matches. For yet another time RCB finished at the bottom of the points table.

Virat Kohli finished the tournament as the leading run scorer for RCB scoring 462 runs in 14 matches at an average of 33.14. It was not his best season with the bat under any stress of imagination. His runs tally included a couple of half-centuries and a solitary century. In this particular season, he wasn’t at his best at all and was unable to meet with the huge expectations associated with him. Hence former Team India skipper and coach Anil Kumble hasn’t included him in his IPL 2019 XI.

Virat Kohli captain of Royal Challengers Banglore. Photo by: Prashant Bhoot /SPORTZPICS for BCCI

Anil Kumble has included quite a few exceptional players in their ranks. The opening duty has been given to David Warner and KL Rahul. Both Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni have been included in the XI. Meanwhile, the DC skipper Shreyas Iyer will occupy the No 3 spot. The two all-rounder spot has been occupied by two of the best all-rounders in world cricket Hardik Pandya and Andre Russell.

The bowling department will be led by the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada. The spin department consists of a couple of wrist spinners in the form of Shreyas Gopal and Imran Tahir. It is definitely a balanced side, to say the least. However, the exclusion of Virat Kohli raised a few questions regarding the relationship surrounding the one-time captain and coach duo.

Anil Kumble | Virat Kohli |
Anil and Virat Kohli during a practice session.

In a video interaction with Cricket Next, Anil Kumble gave the reason for ignoring Virat Kohli. “Iyer is young and has done really well. He has batted in difficult conditions. The Delhi pitch hasn’t been great but he’s led from the front. Was thinking of keeping Virat, Iyer, and Dhoni as No. 3, 4, and 5 but wanted to have a left-hander in the side. Therefore I’m opting for Rishabh pant. Pant has shown a lot of maturity, scored runs for Delhi Capitals.”

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