Ahmedabad: Royal Challengers in Bengaluru, Bhuvneshwar Kumar (PTI Image)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s dream campaign in IPL 2026 reached another milestone on Sunday as the veteran pacer equaled a long-standing record during the title match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.The RCB seamer took his 17th wicket in the Powerplay this season when he dismissed Sai Sudharsan in the fourth over of the final of IPL 2026. With this breakthrough, Bhuvneshwar tied with Mohammed Shami for the most wickets taken by an Indian bowler in an over of 1-6 overs during a single edition of the IPL.Shami had set the standard while playing for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023, where he took 17 Powerplay wickets. Three years later, Bhuvneshwar has achieved this feat on the biggest stage ever.The wicket itself was crucial. The Gujarat Titans were in dire need of the prolific opening duo of Shubman Gill and Sudharsan to provide another strong start after both batsmen crossed the 700-run mark during the season. However, RCB’s experienced new-ball attack had other ideas.Josh Hazlewood struck first to remove Gill for 10, leaving the Giants under pressure. Next, Bhuvneshwar came up with a short-ball plan that was executed perfectly against Sudharsan.
The left-hander tried to bowl the ball but failed to bounce, with wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma completing the catch after running forward.The dismissal reduced GT to 45 for 2 in the powerplay and deepened their problems on a surface that offered little freedom for stroke play.Bhuvneshwar’s achievement highlights his huge value to RCB this season. While much of the spotlight has fallen on the team’s explosive batting unit, the veteran fast bowler has consistently made early breakthroughs and set the tone with the new ball.His success also puts him firmly in the Purple Cap race. Sudharsan’s wicket took his season tally to 28 wickets, putting him level with Kagiso Rabada at the top of the wicket-taking charts.
Most wickets in a powerplay in an IPL season
| player | season | Wicket |
|---|---|---|
| Kagiso Rabada | 2026 | 19 |
| Muhammad Al-Shami | 2023 | 17 |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 2026 | 17 |
| Mitchell Johnson | 2013 | 16 |
| Trent Bolt | 2020 | 16 |
The record may have been shared, but the timing made it special. On the night of the Indian Premier League final, with RCB chasing a second successive title, Bhuvneshwar once again made the early breakthrough that has become his trademark throughout IPL 2026.