Ahead of Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s historic 200th Indian Premier League appearance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Virat Kohli praised the veteran fast bowler for his longevity, intelligence and consistency in the shortest format of the game.Bhubaneswar is all set to achieve the milestone during RCB’s clash against Lucknow Supergiants at the Ekna Cricket Stadium. The veteran seamer has enjoyed a stellar 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 5/19.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.
Kohli called Bhuvneshwar one of the greatest fast bowlers in IPL history and praised his ability to maintain elite standards over such a long period of time.Kohli said, “To play 200 IPL games is a huge achievement, especially as a fast bowler. It speaks to his longevity and consistency. He has played so much cricket in all formats and he has been successful.”“What has always stood out about Bhuvi is his understanding of the game and his cricketing intelligence. He is definitely among the top three fast bowlers in IPL history. When you look at his economy rate, the wickets he has taken, and the number of dot balls he bowls in every match, it is truly remarkable. He is someone you can always rely on under pressure.”Hazlewood also praised Bhuvneshwar’s exceptional skill set and tactical awareness, particularly his ability to swing the ball and read match situations quickly.“I think his skill set is second to none. His swing bowling is of the highest quality. The length he consistently hits, his ability to move the ball both ways, and the way he reads the game is fantastic,” said Hazlewood.“For someone who bowls the opening ball in almost every over of the game, his communication and understanding of the conditions is very important. To reach 200 IPL matches is a special achievement. You are probably the first fast bowler to reach this milestone and also the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers. You have achieved almost everything possible in this tournament,” he added.Coach Flower described Bhuvneshwar as a master of his craft. “It’s an absolute honor to see him do his thing,” Flower said. “It’s a bit like watching Virat bat and Bhuvi bowling. They are masters at what they do. Congratulations on your 200th for what you have done all these years as a man and as a player,” he added.
