Bengaluru: Virat Kohli has heaped praise on Bhuvneshwar Kumar for his remarkable resurgence in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season, highlighting the pacer’s “uncomplicated consistency backed with tremendous belief” as the driving force behind his success.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter’s remarks come at a time when Bhuvneshwar has emerged as one of the standout performers in a tournament largely dominated by aggressive batting displays.
Bhuvneshwar shines in bowler-friendly comeback
In 12 matches so far this season, Bhuvneshwar has claimed 22 wickets at an impressive average of 16.13 and an economy rate of 7.55. His best figures of 4/23 underline his ability to deliver match-winning spells consistently.
At a time when high-scoring encounters and power-hitting have defined the IPL, Bhuvneshwar’s disciplined swing bowling has stood out, troubling even the most in-form batters.
His performances have played a crucial role in RCB’s strong campaign, with the team currently placed at the top of the points table with eight wins from 12 matches.
Kohli explains the secret behind success
Speaking in a teaser for the RCB podcast, Kohli broke down the simplicity behind Bhuvneshwar’s effectiveness, emphasising the importance of technical foundation and execution.
“When you have technical abilities in place, you can always adjust. Especially during tough phases, players with a strong technical base find ways to succeed,” Kohli said.
He pointed out that Bhuvneshwar is not relying on extravagant swing but instead sticking to a consistent and challenging length.
“He is bowling at a length that tells the batter, ‘I am good enough to hit this length every time. Are you good enough to take me on?’ It is simple — repetition, execution and belief,” he added.
Journey marked by setbacks and resilience
Bhuvneshwar’s return to top form has not been straightforward. The veteran pacer has battled injuries and a dip in performance over the years, which saw him fall out of contention for the Indian national team.
Once a key figure for Sunrisers Hyderabad during the 2010s, he had struggled to replicate his peak form in recent seasons.
However, his commitment to disciplined bowling and trust in his process have resulted in a strong comeback, earning him the nickname ‘Swing King’ once again among fans and experts.
Milestone season for the veteran pacer
The ongoing season has also seen Bhuvneshwar achieve a significant personal milestone. He became the first pacer to reach 200 wickets in IPL history and currently has 220 wickets in 202 matches.
With an average of 26.21 and an economy rate of 7.68 overall, along with multiple four-wicket and five-wicket hauls, he remains among the most consistent bowlers in the league’s history.
With matches still to come, he is also closing in on the all-time IPL wicket record held by Yuzvendra Chahal.
RCB eye strong finish to league stage
RCB’s strong bowling performances, led by Bhuvneshwar, have positioned them as one of the favourites this season. The team has bounced back from a brief mid-season slump with consecutive wins against Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.
They are set to face Punjab Kings in their next fixture in Dharamsala on May 17, a match that could further solidify their chances of finishing in the top two.
A top-two finish would give RCB two opportunities to reach the final, keeping them firmly on track for a potential title-winning campaign.
Conclusion
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s resurgence in IPL 2026 stands as a testament to the value of discipline, experience and belief in one’s abilities. Backed by a simple yet effective approach, he has proven that consistency can still outshine flair in a format often dominated by big hitters.
With RCB pushing for a top finish and Bhuvneshwar in prime rhythm, the veteran pacer could play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the season.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)