Bhuvneshwar Kumar's bowling brilliance shines in RCB's defeat, equals Bravo's IPL wicket record | CliqExplainer

Bhuvneshwar Kumar proved his skill and experience during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) defeat to Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, despite the team’s struggles. The veteran pacer delivered an exceptional performance with the ball, earning accolades from fans and experts alike. His four-over spell of 1/23 was a standout in a match where RCB’s bowlers faltered under pressure. This performance also allowed him to equal Dwayne Bravo’s record as the joint-highest wicket-taker among pacers in IPL history, with 183 wickets to his name.

Despite RCB’s disappointing total of 170, which was easily chased down by Gujarat Titans with 13 balls to spare, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s spell stood out. Acquired by RCB for INR 10.75 crore in the 2025 auction, Bhuvneshwar’s control with the ball was remarkable, maintaining an economy rate of 5.80. While the rest of the RCB bowling attack, excluding Yash Dayal, struggled to contain runs, Bhuvneshwar’s economy rate was a breath of fresh air in a high-pressure scenario.

Bhuvneshwar’s highlight was dismissing Shubman Gill—the GT captain—with a beautiful delivery caught at backward point, providing RCB with a much-needed breakthrough. Although his efforts were not enough to change the outcome, as Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler built a strong partnership to take Gujarat to an easy victory, Bhuvneshwar’s performance didn’t go unnoticed. His composure in a ground known for high-scoring games like M Chinnaswamy was widely praised by fans and experts alike.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 183 wickets tie with Dwayne Bravo as the highest wicket-taking pacer in IPL history. With this achievement, Bhuvneshwar solidifies his legacy as one of the most consistent and reliable pacers in the tournament. Only spinners like Yuzvendra Chahal (206 wickets) and Piyush Chawla (192 wickets) have more IPL wickets than the Indian seamer.

Before joining RCB, Bhuvneshwar Kumar spent 11 years with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where he played a pivotal role in their 2016 IPL title win. He won the Purple Cap in back-to-back seasons in 2016 and 2017, showcasing his class and consistency. His performance against Gujarat Titans reaffirmed why he continues to be one of the IPL’s finest pacers, capable of delivering under pressure.

Following the game, fans flooded social media with praise for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, calling his performance a captain’s dream. His consistent ability to bowl well even on challenging grounds with small boundaries and dew added to his growing fanbase. Many drew comparisons between Bhuvneshwar’s disciplined bowling and that of Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier pacer, underscoring his skill and professionalism.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s consistency and proven track record in the IPL make him an invaluable asset for RCB. Despite a tough start for the team in IPL 2025, his standout performance against Gujarat Titans is a reminder of his importance as one of the league’s most dependable pacers. As he continues to break records and deliver under pressure, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s legacy in IPL cricket is only expected to grow.

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