Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli paid tribute to veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar ahead of his 200th match in the IPL. The former Indian captain praised the fast bowler’s remarkable longevity and exceptional understanding of the game throughout his illustrious career in the tournament.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is expected to play his 200th IPL match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Ekana Cricket Stadium on Thursday, May 7. The Bengaluru-based team is in third place in the table with 6 wins from 9 matches.
Earlier this season, he became the first fast bowler in IPL history to reach the 200-wicket milestone. The pacer has taken 215 wickets in 199 IPL matches at an average of 26.40 and an economy rate of 7.68, including two five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls, with his best bowling figures standing at 5/19.
Among The Top 3 IPL Pacers Ever – Virat Kohli In Awe Of Bhuvneshwar Kumar
In a video shared by Royal Challengers Bengaluru on X, Virat Kohli showered praise on Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Kohli said that Bhuvneshwar is one of the finest fast bowlers in the game, considering his ability to deliver consistently under pressure across formats.
“It’s a big feat to play 200 games, especially as a fast bowler. I know it’s T20 cricket, but that tells you the longevity and he’s played so much cricket over all these years. All kinds of formats and he’s been such a successful bowler,” Kohli said.
“The thing that stands out for me with Bhuvi has always been his understanding of the game and his cricket smarts. He’s probably been among the top three pacers in IPL history. If you look at his economy, the number of wickets he’s taken, and the amount of dot balls he bowls every game, it’s remarkable. He’s someone you can trust under pressure every single time. To maintain that level of skill and execution over so many years is a great achievement.”
I Think His Skill Set Is Second to None – Josh Hazlewood on Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Josh Hazlewood highlighted the elite swing bowling skills and sharp game awareness of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Hazlewood said that the veteran pacer consistently bowls the right lengths and quickly assesses conditions while leading the attack in almost every match.
“I think his skill set is second to none. Swing bowling at its highest level. The lengths he hits consistently, moving the ball both ways, and the way he reads the game are exceptional. For someone who bowls the first over almost every match, his communication and ability to assess conditions quickly are key,” Hazlewood said.
“To reach 200 games is a special achievement. I believe you’re the first fast bowler to do it in the IPL and also the leading wicket-taker among pacers. You’ve achieved almost everything possible in this tournament. Best of luck, hopefully we can get the win.”
It’s an Absolute Privilege to Watch Him Do His Thing – Andy Flower on Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Andy Flower said that Bhuvneshwar Kumar has shown calm execution with the ball over the years. Flower compared watching Bhuvneshwar bowl to watching elite batters perform at their best and also congratulated him for carrying himself professionally throughout his long career.
“It’s an absolute privilege to watch him do his thing. It’s a bit like watching Virat bat – you watch Bhuvi bowl. They’re masters at what they do,” Flower said. “Bhuvi, on your 200th game, congratulations on the way you’ve carried yourself as both a player and a person over all these years.”
𝟮𝟬𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗣𝗟 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗵𝘂𝘃𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗵𝘄𝗮𝗿 𝗞𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗿. 🙌🫡
“You can bank on Bhuvi under pressure 100% percent of the time”: Virat Kohli ❤️
Watch Virat Kohli, Andy Flower and Josh Hazlewood explain what sets Bhuvi apart from the rest, and why he is a modern day… pic.twitter.com/OGcN3dseu7
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 7, 2026
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