IPL 2026: Bhuvneshwar Kumar writes history, becomes first fast bowler… | Cricket News

Bhuvneshwar Kumar of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (AP Photo/Manish Swarap)

Fast bowlers of Royal Challengers Bangalore Bhuvneshwar Kumar Created history by becoming the first fast bowler to complete 200 matches during the clash against Lucknow Supergiants. IPL History The landmark added another major achievement to Bhuvneshwar’s remarkable T20 career. At the beginning of this season, he became the first fast bowler and then the second player as well. Yuzvendra Chahal Complete 200 IPL wickets. The veteran fast bowler has continued his fine form in IPL 2026 and currently tops the Purple Cap standings with 17 wickets in nine matches. Talking about the milestone, Bhuvneshwar said that making 200 IPL appearances was a proud moment in his career. “It’s really special. Any milestone, really, and playing 200 matches, in itself, is a huge achievement. So, naturally, I feel very happy,” Bhuvneshwar said. He also admitted that accomplishing this feat with a successful franchise made it even more satisfying. “I think the best thing is that I’m getting with a team that won the trophy last year and is playing exceptionally well this season; that makes it even better,” he added. Reflecting on his long IPL journey, the swing bowler described his maiden IPL wicket as the most memorable moment of his career. “It’s very difficult to pick just one, but if I had to name something special, I would pick my first wicket,” he said. My journey started many years ago and that first wicket is always something special. Bhuvneshwar also opened up about the challenges of surviving as a fast bowler in modern-day T20 cricket, especially with batsmen becoming increasingly aggressive during the powerplay. “It’s definitely demanding, especially considering the way the format itself has evolved. It’s always a tough challenge to constantly improve one’s game, given the way batsmen are changing during the powerplay and the way they’re aggressive,” he explained. However, the veteran credits his success to sticking to the basics throughout his career. “I believe what works for me personally is a constant focus on strengthening my fundamentals,” he added. With this achievement, Bhuvneshwar also entered the elite list of players who have featured in 200 or more IPL matches, becoming only the 12th cricketer overall to reach the milestone.