Bengaluru royal challengers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Virat Kohli (ANI Image)
Ahead of Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s historic 200th IPL appearance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Virat Kohli lauded the veteran’s longevity, intelligence and consistency in the shortest format of the game.Bhuvneshwar is set to achieve the feat during RCB’s match against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. The experienced seamer had an impressive IPL career, taking 215 wickets in 199 matches at an average of 26.40 and an economy rate of 7.68, including two five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls. His best figures in the tournament stand at 19/5.Ahead of the special occasion, several RCB members, including Kohli, Josh Hazlewood and head coach Andy Flower, paid tribute to the veteran fast bowler in a video shared by the franchise on X.
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Kohli described Bhuvneshwar as one of the greatest players in the history of IPL and praised his ability to maintain elite standards over such a long period.“It’s a big achievement to play 200 matches in the Indian Premier League, especially as a fast bowler. This speaks a lot about his longevity and consistency. He has played a lot of cricket across formats and has remained successful throughout,” Kohli said.“The thing that has always stood out about Bhuvi is his understanding of the game and his cricketing intelligence.
He is definitely among the top three players in IPL history. When you look at his economy rate, the wickets he has taken, and the number of dot balls he hits per match, it is truly remarkable. He added: “He is someone you can rely on under pressure every time.”
Hazlewood also praised Bhuvneshwar’s exceptional skill set and tactical awareness, particularly his ability to swing the ball and read match conditions quickly.“I think his skill set is unparalleled. His swing bowling is of the highest quality. The distances he hits consistently, his ability to move the ball both ways, and the way he reads the game is outstanding,” Hazlewood said.“For someone who bowls the opening ball in almost every match, his communication and understanding of the conditions is extremely important. Reaching 200 matches in the Indian Premier League is a special achievement. You are perhaps the first fast bowler to reach this milestone and also the leading wicket-taker among bowlers.”
You have achieved almost everything possible in this tournament.Coach Flower described Bhuvneshwar as a master of his craft. “It’s a great honor to watch him do his job,” Flower said. “It’s a bit like watching Virat bat and watching Bhuvi’s shot. They are good at what they do. On your 200th birthday, congratulations on the way you have conducted yourself as a man and as a player all these years,” he added.