Watch: Virat Kohli hails Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 'good enough lengths' as key to RCB's IPL 2026 success

Virat Kohli has lauded the superb bowling performance of Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, as they sit at the top of the points table with eight victories in eight encounters at a net run rate of +1.053. 

Bhuvneshwar has rediscovered his rhythm during the ongoing season and claimed 22 wickets so far to be the leading wicket-taker of the cash-rich league. Several experts have advocated for his return to the national side, irrespective of his age and India’s aim to build a young side for the future. 

‘Bhuvi’s execution and skills…’ — Kohli opens up on Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s bowling intelligence

Virat Kohli, during the recent podcast of RCB in the IPL 2026, put his finger on the lengths of the right-arm pacer, who has created a huge issue for the batters to dominate in any phase of the game. He also praised his superb economy rate in this edition. 

Watch the special praise here: 

“What is Bhuvi doing? He is not bowling banana inswingers, banana outswingers. He is bowling at a length that tells the guys that I am good enough to hit the length every time. It is the most difficult length to hit, and I am just gonna keep hitting that length. Are you good enough to take me on or not?” The former Indian captain addressed.

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“It’s simple stuff. It’s repetition, it’s execution, uncomplicated, consistency, backed with tremendous belief. That’s all he is doing. Look at the results. He has six three-wicket hauls in 11 matches. That’s crazy. He’s not even going at 8 (economy rate) this season.” He added.

First pacer to 200 IPL wickets, 22 this season— Bhuvneshwar Kumar leads RCB to top of IPL 2026 table

During the ongoing edition of the competition, Bhuvneshwar became the first pacer to complete 200 wickets in the IPL. He is currently the third leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 220 scalps in 202 innings at an average of 26.21 and an economy rate of 7.68, thanks to three four-wicket hauls.

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In the recent season, the 37-year-old has picked up 22 wickets in 12 innings at an average of 16.13 and a strong strike rate of 12.8 with a superb economy rate of 7.55.

Bhuvi will hope to continue the same skills in the powerplay and death overs as they aim to finish among the top two of the league stage and win their second successive IPL trophy.