Needing nine runs off the final three deliveries of the chase of 167, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) felt the pressure—but Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered under it. Facing a wide yorker from Raj Bawa, he swung hard and cleared the deep-cover boundary for six. Two balls later, a quick scamper turned into the winning runs, lifting RCB to the summit of the points table.
Quick facts
- RCB chased 167 vs Mumbai Indians with nine needed from three balls.
- Bhuvneshwar hit a six after Raj Bawa bowled a wide yorker.
- Bhuvneshwar also contributed with figures of 4 for 23 earlier in the match.
- He was named Player of the Match.
- Bhuvneshwar has 21 wickets this season, the most by any bowler.
- His economy rates: 7.00 (powerplay), 8.42 (middle overs), 7.83 (death overs).
Earlier in the day, the same bowler made the biggest difference for RCB with a spell that read 4 for 23. That impact was central to his Player of the Match award. When asked what moment he would cherish most, Bhuvneshwar kept it simple: sixes. He noted that while he has bowled well and taken wickets before, this was the highlight he enjoyed the most.
How the spell swung the contest
On a two-paced track in Raipur, Bhuvneshwar relied on hitting the right lengths and kept Mumbai Indians under pressure early. His first over ended with Ryan Rickelton caught at mid-off. In the second, he struck twice in quick succession—Rohit Sharma was taken behind after a knuckleball, and Suryakumar Yadav was also caught, this time at first slip off consecutive deliveries.
Speaking about his approach to Rohit, Bhuvneshwar said he was trying to stay proactive. He explained that given Rohit’s track record against him, he expected the batter might look to step out, so he focused on the usual length ball. He added that Suryakumar Yadav had just come in, and the plan to bowl normally off the surface worked in that phase.
With his latest haul, Bhuvneshwar reached 21 wickets for the season, topping the wicket charts among all bowlers. His control has been equally notable — he has maintained a rate of 7.00 in the powerplay, 8.42 through the middle overs, and 7.83 at the death. For bowlers who have delivered at least 50 balls in the 17–20 over window, he stands out with the best economy rate.
Having last represented India in November 2022, the question naturally turns to what keeps him driven. Bhuvneshwar pushed back on the idea of motivation as a constant fuel, saying it can be overrated. He described how motivational quotes and videos may energise you for a short stretch, but that feeling fades quickly—what matters more to him is discipline.
He also credited the support structure around him. While team physios and trainers are involved during the tournament, he said he has a physio and trainer at home as well. According to him, their work helps him stay in shape, so they deserve part of the recognition too.
Staying sharp between seasons
Outside the IPL calendar, Bhuvneshwar keeps himself connected to T20 cricket through the UP T20 League and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He highlighted that the year-long schedule gives him enough match practice to maintain rhythm, along with breaks that help him recharge and rebuild strength. He plays the UP T20 and Mushtaq Ali as his baseline preparation, and then switches to the IPL-specific routine once he returns.
He stressed that the standard of competition is different in those domestic tournaments, so the IPL camp becomes the real reset point. Once the IPL arrives, he does whatever is required during that phase to adjust and peak for the demands of the league.
With the ball coming out of his hand well, his confidence is visibly high. He is also enjoying the freedom he has been given by the RCB team management, framing it as one of the best feelings—doing exactly what he wants with the ball. He said the setup trusts him with decisions and that comfort turns into confidence, which is why he feels happy when he gets to execute his plans.
