Ahead of Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s landmark 200th Indian Premier League appearance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Virat Kohli praised the veteran pacer for his longevity, intelligence and consistency in the shortest format of the game.Bhuvneshwar will achieve this milestone during RCB’s match against Lucknow Supergiants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. The veteran seamer has enjoyed a remarkable career in the IPL, 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 score in the tournament is 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 on X.
Kohli described Bhuvneshwar as one of the greatest pacers in IPL history and praised his ability to maintain elite standards for such a long time.“Playing 200 IPL games is a huge achievement, especially as a fast bowler. It speaks volumes about his longevity and consistency. He has played many different formats of cricket and has always been successful,” Kohli said.“The most striking thing about Bhuvi is his understanding of the game and his cricket intelligence. He is definitely one of the top three pacers in the history of IPL. When you look at his economy rate, the wickets he took and the number of dot balls he bowled every game, it is truly remarkable. He is someone you can rely on every time under pressure,” he added.Hazlewood also praised Bhuvneshwar’s excellent technical and tactical awareness, especially his ability to swing the ball and read the game situation quickly.“I think his technique is second to none. His swing bowling is of the highest quality. The distance he sustains in hitting the ball, his ability to move the ball both ways and the way he reads the game is outstanding,” Hazlewood said.“For someone who bowls the opener in almost every match, his communication and understanding of the conditions are extremely important. Reaching 200 IPL matches is a special achievement. You are probably the first fast bowler to reach this milestone and the leading wicket-taker among pacers. You guys achieved almost everything possible in this game,” he added.Coach Flower described Bhuvneshwar as a master of his craft. “It’s definitely an honor to see him do his thing,” Flower said. “It’s a bit like watching Virat batting and Bhuvi bowling. They are both masters in their respective fields. Congratulations on your 200th birthday for the way you have functioned as a man and a player over the years,” he added.
