Bengaluru: Anil Kumble backs RCB for title ahead of clash against Punjab

As the 34th match of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League unfolds today at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, former cricketer Anil Kumble has voiced strong support for Royal Challengers Bengauru (RCB), expressing confidence that this could be the year they finally lift the coveted trophy.

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RCB, currently with four wins from six matches, will face Punjab Kings in a high-voltage contest scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm today. Speaking ahead of the match, Kumble, a Bengaluru native and former RCB captain, said, “Let RCB continue playing like this. We haven’t even reached the halfway mark of the season, but I believe this could finally be RCB’s year to win the Cup. It’s been 18 years—hopefully, the wait ends.”

Kumble also met Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar at his residence in Sadashivanagar earlier in the day. Following their meeting, Shivakumar told the media that they discussed various issues, including cricket and RCB’s performance.

A veteran of 42 matches for RCB, Kumble took 45 wickets at an economy rate of 6.58. He captained the side to the finals in 2009 and semi-finals in 2010 and later served as mentor in 2011. Interestingly, Kumble has also been associated with Punjab Kings, lending his insights into both camps.

As fans pack the stadium tonight, all eyes will be on RCB to see if they can make Kumble’s prediction come true.