Virat Kohli has been relentless in pursuit of success, India would want him to continue IPL form in T20 WC: Anil Kumble

Virat Kohli has been the lynchpin for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) over the years and has enhanced his reputation as their undisputed messiah in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The legendary Anil Kumble said that Indian fans will hope that the former India captain will continue this form in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 next month.

Kohli scored a majestic 92 off 47 balls in the game against Punjab Kings on Thursday, May 9, helping his team post a mammoth 241/7 after being asked to bat first. In reply, the Kings were bowled out for 181 at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, as RCB won their fourth game in a row. After his stupendous knock, Kohli took his runs tally for the season to 634 in 12 matches, having an average of 70.44 and a strike rate of 153.51. The Delhi batter has registered one century and five half-centuries this season.

Former India leg-spinner Kumble lauded Kohli's hunger for success and said that Indian fans will hope that he continues his rich vein of form in the upcoming ICC event, which is scheduled to be jointly hosted by the West Indies and the USA from June 2 to 29.

"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," said Kumble while speaking to JioCinema.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 58th Match - Who Said What?

Virat Kohli made sure that he let Rilee Rossouw know exactly back at you: Shane Watson

Rilee Rossouw top-scored for Punjab, as he smashed 61 off 27 balls and kept his team in the run-chase. When he got to his half-century, the South African batter unleashed a rifle celebration. This didn't miss the eyes of Kohli as he mimicked the celebration after Rossouw was dismissed by Karn Sharma.

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson noted that Kohli lives every moment of the game and reckoned he wanted to take a cheeky dig at Rossouw after his dismissal.

"He's engaged in every single moment of every game and nothing like that Rossouw had on display. And he made sure that he let Rossouw know exactly back at you. And, and it was a critical time as well. Kohli's engaged in every single ball of every game, and he doesn't miss a thing. And he certainly didn't miss Rossouw's celebration for his 50," said Watson.

Also Read: 'He's not 21 anymore, but he's always running around like no one else' - Tom Moody on Virat Kohli's heroics against Punjab Kings

Kohli also affected a fantastic run-out to dismiss the dangerous Shashank Singh for 19-ball 37. RCB went on to win their fourth game in a row and have 10 points from 12 matches. They have two games left against Delhi Capitals (May 12) and Chennai Super Kings (May 18) and would need to win both of them to entertain hopes of reaching the playoffs.