Many times we have come across Indian cricket fans discussing about the second best Indian pacer after Jasprit Bumrah, while some feel that it is Mohammed Shami, few others think it is Mohammed Siraj but former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik feels otherwise.
Dinesh Karthik is now associated with the IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore as a batting consultant and in a marquee move during the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, RCB secured veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for Rs 10.75 crore. The experienced bowler is set to play a pivotal role in RCB’s bowling attack for the upcoming season.
Since his debut against Pakistan on December 25, 2012, Bhuvneshwar has represented India in 21 Tests, 121 ODIs and 87 T20Is. Despite his last appearance for India in November 2022, he remains one of the most successful pacers in the country’s cricket history.
If we talk about his IPL record, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the most successful Indian pacer in the IPL history, he has taken 181 wickets in 176 matches. A two-time Purple Cap winner, he previously represented Pune Warriors India and Sunrisers Hyderabad, cementing his reputation as a match-winner.
RCB’s acquisition of Bhuvneshwar Kumar was a result of intense bidding competition with Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants. The 34 years old cricketer, who had been associated with RCB in the early days of his IPL career but never played a league match for the team, now returns to the Bengaluru franchise to lead the bowling unit. He will open the attack alongside the likes of Josh Hazlewood in the IPL 2025, which begins on March 14.
The RCB batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik strongly backed Bhuvneshwar Kumar, calling him India’s best T20 bowler after Jasprit Bumrah. In a video shared on RCB’s X (formerly Twitter) account, DK stated, “Just for the record, I am convinced that he is the best bowler India has after Bumrah even today. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the best T20 bowler.”
Here is the video clip which was shared by RCB:
https://x.com/RCBTweets/status/1866685840854057120
Click to watch this video directly on X
Dinesh Karthik’s words underline Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver consistent performances under pressure.
Bhuvneshwar last featured in a competitive match on December 11, representing Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy quarterfinals. Playing at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, he showcased his skills, reminding cricket fans of his enduring class.
With Virat Kohli leading the team, RCB has assembled a formidable squad. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s experience and tactical prowess are expected to strengthen their bowling lineup as they aim for their maiden IPL title. Fans eagerly await his return to the Chinnaswamy pitch, where his journey will start with RCB once again.
