Top News

Once again, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is a subject of much discussion in IPL 2026. The seasoned fast bowler has been performing exceptionally well for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and currently sits on top of the list for the Purple Cap.

 

In his recent match against Mumbai Indians, Bhuvneshwar picked up four wickets conceding just 23 runs off four overs, playing a crucial role in restricting Mumbai to a score of 166.

 

This performance has set tongues wagging about whether the veteran pacer would be able to regain entry into the Indian squad before the 2027 ODI World Cup.

 

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Has Been Very Good In IPL 2026

 

He has looked sharp all through IPL 2026. Bowled with control, taken wickets often and again reminded why long ago he was seen as one of Indias best swing bowlers

 

In 11 matches this season he already has 21 wickets. His average and strike rate are strong, while his economy has stayed under control too.

 

Bhuvneshwar Kumar IPL Numbers Over Time

 

Year	Matches	Wickets	Economy Rate	Strike Rate
IPL 2026	11	21	7.46	12.2
IPL 2025	14	17	9.28	18.3
IPL 2024	16	11	9.35	31
IPL 2023	14	16	8.33	19.1
IPL 2022	14	12	7.34	26

 

 

The stats show a clear turn for the better in the last two seasons. After a weak IPL 2024 campaign, he slowly found rhythm in 2025 and has reached top shape in 2026.

 

His gift for swinging the new ball and bowling precise slower balls helped him trouble batters again.

 

Also Read | Virat, Rohit Return; Bumrah Rested: India’s Likely Squad for Afghanistan ODI Series

 

Why He Lost His Spot In The India Team

 

Bhuvneshwar last played for India in 2022. His last ODI was against South Africa in January 2022 and his final T20I was versus New Zealand later the same year.

 

After that he drifted out of the national picture because of injuries and loss of pace. The fast bowler had a run of fitness issues, hamstring aches lower back trouble and sports hernia, these things hit his rhythm and speed.

 

At one stage he was often below 130 kph. Modern white ball cricket asks for bowlers who can keep higher speeds, specially in middle and death overs.

 

Even being economical, he wasnt taking enough wickets. Younger quicks moved ahead in selection.

 

Can Bhuvneshwar Play The 2027 World Cup?

 

The 2027 ODI World Cup is in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Conditions there should suit swing bowlers, which could fit someone like him.

 

But despite strong IPL form, a comeback still seems hard right now. Bhuvneshwar is 36 and has not played internationals for nearly four years. Indias current white ball setup is built around younger players who can stay longer with the team.

 

Management also wants a fast and aggressive bowling group around young names.

 

Young Pacers Are In Front

 

Several young Indian pacers shone in IPL 2026. Players such as Prince Yadav and Anshul Kamboj have shown strong matches this season. Prince Yadav has 16 wickets while Anshul Kamboj has 19 so far. Bowlers like Arshdeep Singh are already part of Indias white ball plans.

 

Compared to them, Bhuvneshwar bowls slower, and selectors may pick younger bowlers who fit a longer term plan. Still his IPL 2026 campaign deserves praise. After injuries and hard years, he has reinvented himself and become one of the season’s top bowlers.

 

Even if a return to India does not happen his shows for RCB reminded fans about the skill and quality he still brings with the ball.