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Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Cusp of IPL History, One Wicket From 200 Milestone

Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar stands on the brink of IPL history, needing just one more wicket to reach the coveted 200-wicket mark. This would make him only the second bowler overall, after Yuzvendra Chahal, and the very first fast bowler to achieve this milestone. His career, which includes two Purple Caps and a pivotal role in Sunrisers Hyderabad's 2016 title, saw a triumphant return to RCB where he helped them secure their maiden trophy in 2025. As RCB's leading bowler in the current season, all eyes are on him to make history in the upcoming match against Chennai Super Kings.

Key Points: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Nears 200 IPL Wickets, Eyes Fast Bowler Record

  • One wicket from 200 IPL wickets
  • Would be second bowler ever to milestone
  • First fast bowler to reach 200
  • Crucial in RCB's 2025 title win
2 min read

RCB pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar one wicket away from 200-wicket milestone in IPL

RCB's Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one wicket away from becoming the first fast bowler to take 200 wickets in IPL history. Can he achieve it against CSK?

"He will become the first fast bowler to achieve this feat. - Report"

Bengaluru, April 5

Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is on the verge of creating history when the defending champions take on Chennai Super Kings on Sunday here at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The right-arm medium pacer, who has 199 wickets in 191 IPL matches, is set to become the second player to reach the 200-wicket milestone. Moreover, he will become the first fast bowler to achieve this feat.

Only Yuzvendra Chahal has crossed the 200-wicket mark in the tournament, with 224 wickets in 176 matches. The leg-spinner, who went past Dwayne Bravo as the highest wicket-taker in IPL history in the 2023 season, got to the milestone in 2024 during his 153rd match.

Bhuvneshwar was handed a contract by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2009 but went two seasons without playing a game in the tournament. After another three unremarkable seasons with Pune Warriors, he was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014 and quickly rose through the ranks to become the lynchpin of their powerplay and death bowling.

He took upwards of 18 wickets in each of his first four seasons, won the purple cap two years in a row, in 2016 and 2017, and was instrumental in Sunrisers' only title win, in 2016. Though his performances tapered off in later seasons, he remained the franchise's all-time leading wicket-taker before he returned to RCB in the 2025.

In IPL 2025, he bagged 17 wickets in 14 games. While his new-ball bowling was potent as ever, his death bowling was as effective. Bhuvneshwar picked up seven wickets in the death last season. His double-wicket 17th over in the final against Punjab Kings was crucial in RCB winning a tight game to lift their maiden trophy.

While Hazlewood is unavailable for the initial matches, Bhuvneshwar is RCB's leading bowler. In the season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he only conceded 31 runs, despite the batters launching an aggressive assault.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
It's amazing to see a fast bowler reach this milestone. The IPL has been dominated by spinners in the wickets column. Bhuvi's consistency, especially with the new ball, is a masterclass for young pacers. Wishing him all the best from a CSK fan! 💛
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Arjun K
Respect for the achievement, but let's be honest, his economy in the death overs has been a concern in recent years. The article mentions 7 wickets in the death last season, but at what cost? RCB needs him to be the Bhuvi of 2016-17 if they want to defend the title.
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Sarah B
As a relatively new cricket fan in India, it's stories like these that are so compelling. To struggle initially, then become a champion for another team, and finally return to your first franchise to make history. What a script!
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Vikram M
The first fast bowler to 200 wickets! This is a huge moment for Indian cricket. He's been a workhorse for years. That double-wicket over in the final last year... clutch performance. Chinnaswamy will erupt when he gets that wicket. 🏏
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Kavya N
True testament to skill and longevity. 191 matches is no joke in a tournament as demanding as the IPL. His swing bowling is a beautiful art. Hope he gets it against CSK, will make the match even more special!

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