Anil Kumble Reflects On How IPL Transformed Regional Identity In Cricket
Former RCB captain reminisces about franchise cricket bringing players from diverse cities together
Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in writing made her pursue a career in content, in which she now has over five years of experience. Vidya writes for MomJunction and covers news for Cricketsweep.
Read full bio of Vidya Tadapatri
Image: Instagram
In a nostalgic moment during the Royal Challengers Bangalore versus Rajasthan Royals IPL 2025 match, legendary spinner Anil Kumble reflected on how the Indian Premier League has transformed regional identities in cricket.
The former RCB captain was spotted in the commentary box for Star Sports, where he shared his thoughts about his days with the Bangalore franchise. In the clip shared by Star Sports on their Instagram handle, Kumble highlighted how the IPL has broken traditional regional barriers in Indian cricket.
The Indian Possible League
The Star Sports caption says “Anil Kumble recalls his RCB days and how a Delhi boy now plays for Bangalore, says it all, this is why it’s the Indian Possible League.”
This observation by Kumble highlights one of the most significant impacts of the IPL on Indian cricket culture. Before the IPL era, players typically had stronger associations with their home states in domestic cricket. The franchise-based league has successfully created new loyalties and identities that transcend traditional regional affiliations.
Kumble’s RCB Connection
Anil Kumble’s connection with Royal Challengers Bangalore runs deep. He not only played for the franchise but also captained RCB during the 2009 IPL season, leading them to the finals. As a Bengaluru native himself, Kumble represented his home city in the tournament before moving on to other roles within the IPL ecosystem, including coaching positions with different franchises.
His experience as both a local player for RCB and later working with teams from other regions gives him a unique perspective on how the IPL has transformed player identity in Indian cricket.
Before the match, Kumble had also expressed confidence in RCB’s prospects. In another post from Star Sports, he was seen backing the team to secure their first home victory of the season, showing his continued emotional connection to his former franchise.
“Will RCB secure their first home victory of the season?” the post questioned, featuring Kumble’s analysis of the team’s chances against Rajasthan Royals.
Praising Young Talent
Kumble has been active in the commentary box throughout this IPL season, offering insights on various matches and players. In another recent clip, he was seen praising Rajasthan Royals’ young talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
“Absolutely a great start to a career,” Kumble noted about Suryavanshi, describing him as “raw, sharp, and full of promise for the future.” This highlights Kumble’s role not just as a commentator but as someone who closely follows and encourages emerging talent in Indian cricket.
His insights during broadcasts are particularly valuable given his experience as former head coach of the Indian national team and his technical understanding of the game, especially regarding spin bowling, where he remains an unparalleled authority in Indian cricket.
As the IPL continues to evolve, perspectives from veterans like Kumble help contextualize the tournament’s impact on Indian cricket’s culture and identity. His observation about regional identity in the IPL underscores how the tournament has created a unique ecosystem where city-based loyalties can sometimes supersede traditional state affiliations, truly making it the “Indian Possible League.”
Trivia
Read full bio of Vidya Tadapatri
