Bhuvneshwar Kumar witnessed the best performance of his career in the 26th match of the ongoing IPL 2026 between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, April 18.
It felt like Bhuvneshwar Kumar was completely in control of the game as the RCB pacer produced magic that brought back memories of his best days, causing DC’s batting to falter early on.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar turns back the clock with a dreamy spell against Delhi Capitals
After losing three wickets for just 18 runs, Delhi Capitals looked to be under serious pressure and it seemed that the chase against Royal Challengers Bangalore could be broken at any time. But David Miller and Tristan Stubbs turned the tables and led DC to a 6-wicket win over the hosts in Bengaluru.
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Defending 175 runs, Bhuvneshwar came in with complete control and a clear plan. He used swing cleverly in the power play. Their tight line and late movement restricted DC to 18 for 3 in the third over itself. It was a dream start for RCB, thanks to Bhuvneshwar. He finished his spell with 3 wickets for 26 runs.
Well, it was the senior Indian bowler’s consistency this season that surprised everyone. The Uttar Pradesh bowler has troubled the top players with his swing and accuracy, which has been his biggest strength over the years. So far in the ongoing IPL 2026, he has taken 10 wickets in 6 matches at an average of 20.00 and an economy rate of 8.33.
Mohammad Kaif gets emotional after seeing Bhuvneshwar Kumar shine again; Demand to take back India
After the RCB vs DC match, former Indian star Mohammad Kaif got emotional after seeing the remarkable performance of Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the ongoing IPL 2026.
He visited the early days of the bowler’s career in Uttar Pradesh and recalled how his control and swing were superb even when he was very young. Kaif said that there is no reason why Bhuvneshwar cannot make India’s comeback.
Mohammad Kaif posted,
But the selectors said he was too young. I insisted. Bhuvi made his Ranji debut and dismissed Sachin Paaji for a duck in the final. He is currently 36 years old and still troubles good batsmen with his swing. India’s return? Why not? Bhuvi still has that ability.”
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There come moments when one becomes emotional. Seeing Bhuvi bowling so beautifully today brought back memories of those days when he was just 17 years old. I was the captain of UP and was impressed with his control and swing. But the selectors said he was too young. I insisted. Bhuvi started his Ranji…
– Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) 18 April 2026
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Indian career
Bhuvneshwar Kumar started his Indian career in 2012 and made a name for himself with his swing bowling and control. He was India’s reliable bowler across all formats. His last appearance for India came in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. India had lost against England by 10 wickets in the semi-finals and he was also the seamer.
Overall, Bhuvneshwar has had a very good career. He has played 229 matches for India and taken 294 wickets, with his best performance being 6 wickets for 82 runs. He has taken 90 wickets in 87 T20I matches for the country. Recently, Bhuvneshwar achieved a major feat by becoming the second bowler in IPL history to cross the 200-wicket mark.
