Former India batter Mohammed Kaif has praised pace bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar after another standout spell against the Delhi Capitals, saying the veteran still has the ability to swing the ball and unsettle leading top-order batters. Kaif went a step further by questioning whether an India return could still be on the cards for Bhuvneshwar, after watching him make an impact in the ongoing season.
In the chase of 176, Bhuvneshwar struck early during the powerplay to disrupt Delhi’s rhythm and leave them reeling at 18/3. He finished his spell with three wickets, conceding only 26 runs from his four overs. Across this IPL campaign, the defending champions have benefited from his form, with Bhuvneshwar collecting 10 wickets in six matches at an average of 20.00, alongside an economy rate of 8.33.
This tournament has also marked a rare milestone for the pacer: he joined Yuzi Chahal to become the first fast bowler and the second bowler overall to reach 200 IPL wickets.
Sharing his memories of Bhuvneshwar on social media, Kaif described how the pacer first made an impression as a teenager and even managed to dismiss Sachin Tendulkar for a duck in a final. He wrote: “There are moments when one gets emotional. Watching Bhuvi bowl so beautifully today brought back memories of the days when he was just 17. I was the UP captain, and was impressed by his control and swing. But selectors said he was too young. I insisted. Bhuvi made his Ranji debut, got Sachin Paaji for duck in the final. He’s 36 now, still troubles the best of batsmen with his swing. India comeback? Why not, Bhuvi still has it in him.”
Bhuvneshwar first broke into the India side in 2012, and his most recent stint wearing the national colours came in 2022 during the T20 World Cup in Australia. Over 229 international appearances for India, he has taken 294 wickets at an average of 29.50, including seven five-wicket hauls, with his best bowling figures reading 6/82.
In 87 T20 internationals for India, Bhuvneshwar has claimed 90 wickets at 23.10, with two five-wicket hauls and best figures of 5/4. The semi-final against eventual champions England—an encounter India lost by 10 wickets—was his last outing in Indian colours.
With the result, Delhi moved up the table to fourth place, registering three victories and two defeats for six points. Royal Challengers Bengaluru sit second, having won four matches and lost two, collecting eight points.
Earlier, when RCB were asked to bat first, they were restricted to 175/8 from 20 overs. Phil Salt top-scored with 63 off 38 balls, striking four fours and three sixes, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel each finished with two wickets.
In response, Delhi’s chase was paced by half-centuries from KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs, who made 60 not out off 47 deliveries and struck four boundaries. David Miller then played the finishing role, remaining unbeaten on 22 off 10 balls, hitting a four and two sixes to steer Delhi to a convincing win.
