Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting icon Virat Kohli has heaped praise on veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, highlighting how the seasoned campaigner has surged to the summit of the Purple Cap race this season. Kohli believes Bhuvneshwar’s current form looks reminiscent of the sharp, new-ball operator he used to be on the global stage, with the pacer repeatedly landing the ball in troublesome zones and moving it both ways. The 12-match wicket haul has been driven by smart length selection, which has repeatedly disrupted batters’ plans—particularly during the powerplay, where his control and swing have stood out.
Key takeaways
- Virat Kohli credits Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s rise to disciplined bowling at a challenging length rather than exaggerated swing variations.
- Bhuvneshwar has taken 22 wickets in 12 matches, leading the Purple Cap standings.
- Kohli says the bowler’s ability to hit the same line and length consistently has made early batting difficult.
- The veteran has also shown late-innings composure, staying disciplined under pressure at the death.
- Kohli notes Bhuvneshwar’s wicket-taking impact includes six three-wicket hauls in 11 games.
Kohli’s message: back to basics, hit the hard length
In his comments on an RCB podcast, Kohli framed Bhuvneshwar’s approach as a return to core fundamentals. He suggested the pacer is not relying on “banana” inswing or outswing tricks, but instead is repeatedly bowling to a length that forces batters to face difficult decisions ball after ball. Kohli’s central point was that this length is among the hardest to hit cleanly, and that Bhuvneshwar’s confidence comes from the ability to repeat it reliably. The result, in Kohli’s view, is that batters are left wondering whether they are good enough to take him on at his chosen zone—or whether they must retreat into caution.
Consistency, repetition and pressure-handling at both ends
Kohli also pointed to Bhuvneshwar’s maturity across phases of the innings. While his early spell has been singled out for control and movement, the veteran has further proven his ability to manage the final overs with discipline, continuing to strike when the match tightens. Kohli described the success as a straightforward formula—repetition, execution, and a strong belief in his own skills—rather than an attempt to complicate his craft.
To underline the impact, Kohli referenced the scale of Bhuvneshwar’s wicket hauls, stating he has recorded six three-wicket performances in 11 games. He also noted that the pacer has not even been operating at the high wicket-taking rate of “eight” wickets per outing this season, implying how consistent his threats have been even without needing to reach extreme figures every match.
International return talk gathers momentum
Bhuvneshwar’s current IPL influence has reignited discussion about a possible international comeback. The fast bowler last featured for India in 2022, and with his performances drawing attention from both supporters and cricket pundits, there is growing confidence that the experienced seamer could be in contention for a return to international cricket.
