IPL 2026: Anil Kumble Praises Rohit Sharma, Sounds Warning For Other Teams

New Delhi: Legendary leg spinner Anil Kumble has heaped praise on Rohit Sharma. In the second match of IPL 2026 against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rohit delivered a magnificent batting performance, playing a powerful innings of 78 runs off just 38 balls. Kumble remarked that Rohit has arrived in his "2.0 avatar" this season—a development that could heighten the concerns of the other competing teams.

Batting brilliantly at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, Rohit Sharma struck 6 fours and 6 sixes during his innings of 78 runs. Rohit completed his half-century in a mere 23 balls, marking his fastest fifty ever in the history of the IPL.

What did Anil Kumble say about Rohit Sharma?

India's legendary spinner, Anil Kumble, stated on 'JioStar': "Rohit Sharma has stepped into his '2.0 avatar,' and his innings clearly demonstrates that he is ready to dominate once again. The manner in which he struck the ball to all corners of the ground reminded me of his prime form. Hitting sixes against bowlers like Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine, and Blessing Muzarabani is no easy feat, yet he made it look incredibly effortless."

During his innings, Rohit also registered his 50th score of fifty-plus runs in the IPL. He became only the fourth batsman to achieve this milestone.

Kumble observed: "Rohit has worked extensively on his fitness; typically, when you return after a short break, it takes about five to seven days to regain your timing and find your rhythm. This was a magnificent innings—precisely the kind we have witnessed at the Wankhede Stadium before—where he appeared to dominate the bowlers right from the very first ball. He was hitting sixes with absolute ease. Although the boundaries were relatively short, his shots were consistently sailing into the stands. This innings underscores the fact that Rohit is solely focused on his game, and this current form of his is bound to cause anxiety among all the other IPL teams."

How did Rohit Sharma perform against KKR?

Teaming up with Ryan Rickelton, Rohit added 148 runs for the first wicket in just 11.5 overs. The KKR bowlers appeared completely helpless against the duo of Rohit and Rickelton, as Mumbai successfully chased down the target of 221 runs in 19.1 overs, losing only 4 wickets. This also marked Mumbai's highest-ever successful run chase in the history of the IPL. With this victory, Mumbai also put an end to a 13-year streak of defeats in their opening matches of the IPL season.