IPL 2026: Confidence always helps you to execute better, says Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Raipur, May 13
Royal Challengers Bengaluru veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar said confidence is a factor which helps him in executing his plans better, which in turn helps him perform better in a long Indian Premier League season. Bhuvneshwar is the season's leading wicket-taker with 21 scalps in 11 games.
"It's very necessary when you do well in the previous matches for your confidence, and when you have confidence, I think I said it before as well, it always helps you to execute better. But of course, (bowling) is always there.
"That six with a bat, I think not just from that perspective of the match, but again when there are a few matches and situations come like this, I can feel that I've done it before and I can do it again," Bhuvneshwar said in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters.
On staying fresh for the playoffs, he explained, "I think it's very necessary how you prepare for that before the season, and then when you come into the season, the practice sessions that you want to do or you don't want to do,, it depends on your feel.
"I haven't done many practice sessions since the tournament started. So I think that's one of the ways to keep myself fresh. And of course, there are physios and trainers who have their own ways of recovering and giving their plan."
Asked about his approach as a bowler, especially when batters are making big runs, Bhuvneshwar said, "Mix, I would say. It's the first experience and instinct. And of course, there are a few things that I would say are trends from the data. You don't have to really necessarily follow that. But when you know that there's something like that and that comes into the match, you can prepare for that as well."
On the challenge of bowling to someone like Finn Allen, Bhuvneshwar remarked, "He's a very destructive batsman. Yes, again, when you have a batsman like this, it's also an opportunity to get them out. But again, the way the wicket played in the last match, it's going to be the same.
"It won't be easy for him. But of course, if it's going to be flat, it won't be easy for bowlers. And yes, there are a few plans against him, which we had. And like we know, he's a destructive batsman. We'll look to get him out initially."
— IANS
Reader Comments
*"Confidence always helps you to execute better"* – this line hits different 💯 Especially in IPL where pressure is insane every match. Bhuvi has been through ups and downs but he just keeps coming back stronger. That's the spirit of a true sportsman 🤌
Interesting how Bhuvi mentioned he reduced practice sessions to stay fresh. That's actually smart veteran thinking—knowing when to work and when to rest is an underappreciated skill. IPL teams often rush young players and they burn out. Respect his self-awareness.
Honestly, the way he's bowling in the death overs this season is just phenomenal! But I feel RCB management should still think about team balance. They rely too much on Bhuvi and a couple of others. Need better support for him in the bowling attack. Just my honest opinion 🤷♂️
Can we just appreciate how Bhuvi is still the heartbeat of RCB's bowling at 36? 🫡 The way he plans for batters like Finn Allen shows his cricketing IQ. *Bhuvneshwar Kumar – still the king of swing and guile!*
"That six with a bat… I can feel that I've done it before" – Bhuvi talking about his batting memories made me laugh! But honestly, that mental bank of past successes is what separates great athletes from good ones. He's using his experience brilliantly.
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