Bhuvneshwar Kumar is all set to achieve another historic milestone in the Indian Premier League when he takes the field for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Lucknow Supergiants at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium today.The veteran fast bowler will become the first fast bowler in IPL history to play 200 matches, adding another remarkable achievement to his illustrious T20 career. Earlier that season, on 5 April 2026, Bhuvneshwar became the first fast bowler, and the second player overall after Yuzvendra Chahal, to take 200 IPL wickets. The swing specialist has continued his impressive form this season and currently tops the IPL 2026 Purple Cap standings with 17 wickets in just nine matches.
With his 200th appearance, Bhuvneshwar will also join an elite group of IPL legends who have played in 200 or more matches, becoming only the 12th player in the tournament’s history to reach the milestone. Here are the players with more than 200 IPL matches:
| the player | Spain | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | From 2008 till now | 278 |
| Rohit Sharma | From 2008 till now | 277 |
| Virat Kohli | From 2008 till now | 276 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | From 2008 till now | 264 |
| Dinesh Karthik | 2008–2024 | 257 |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 2008–2024 | 222 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 2009-2025 | 221 |
| Ajinkya Rahane | From 2008 till now | 207 |
| Suresh Raina | 2008–2021 | 205 |
| Robin Uthappa | 2008–2022 | 205 |
| Ambati Rayudu | 2010-2023 | 204 |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | From 2011 till now | 199 |
His RCB teammate Virat Kohli praised Bhuvneshwar Kumar, including him among the top 3 IPL fast bowlers of all 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.”
