RCB's veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has praised former captain Virat Kohli for bringing a big change in India's Test bowling style. He said Kohli's aggressive captaincy and passion on the field gave new energy to the team.

In a recent episode of RCB’s podcast, Bhuvneshwar praised Virat’s leadership and said,

"The way Virat led in Test cricket, I give him full credit. His aggressive style and love for Test cricket inspired the whole team. This kind of intensity is needed for a five-day Test, and the same spirit spread through the team."

Also Read - Virat Kohli drops 5 bombshell revelations in latest RCB podcast

Bhuvneshwar Kumar shared his thoughts about playing under Virat Kohli’s captaincy between 2014 and 2018. He said Virat's leadership and passion brought new energy to the team. The right-arm fast bowler played his last Test match for India in 2018 during the South Africa tour. Even though he has not played Tests in recent years, he is still known as one of the best swing bowlers in the country.

Talking about a possible comeback, Bhuvneshwar said, "I don’t think much about returning. I’m doing what I’ve always done. If my performance is good, then things will happen. I just focus on my small routines."

Notably. Under Kohli's leadership, the Indian team changed a lot. They became more confident and active on the field. Kohli's passion and energy set a high example for his teammates and pushed them to give their best.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s words show his respect for Kohli’s leadership and its effect on the team. Kohli’s time as captain was an important phase for Indian cricket. Kumar’s praise shows how big a role Kohli played in building the team’s strong identity.

For cricket fans who have been watching Indian cricket for years, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has always seemed soft-spoken, calm, and extremely dedicated to his work. But in a rare, emotional stint on The Ranveer Show (TRS) podcast, the seasoned pacer pulled back the veil on his personal life, including his affection for Bollywood and an unexpected IPL secret that's got fans smiling.

Presently a central part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) bowling lineup for the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Bhuvneshwar Kumar is exhibiting glimpses of his past glory. Out of action on the international scene for some time now, his consistent performances with RCB have raised eyebrows. But in a welcome departure from match-hype, the pacer recently reminisced straight back to the inaugural season of the IPL way back in 2008. Interviewing podcast host Ranveer Allahbadia on TRS, Bhuvneshwar shared that as a young cricketer in 2008, he supported the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Why? Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.In a cricketing life full of unspoken resolve and quiet service to the team, it is perhaps no wonder that Bhuvi resonates with the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, a global superstar whose humility lies behind his glistening glamour.

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"In 2008, I was rooting for KKR because of Shah Rukh Khan. He is so down-to-earth and speaks very normally, like a best friend. I love all his films, Ram Jaane, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Koyla, Duplicate. He speaks so beautifully and has you believing you knew him for ages. He's so unassuming. It's impossible not to be a fan," Bhuvneshwar smiled. 

New Chapter With RCB for Bhuveshwar Kumar

While his comments on KKR stirred nostalgia, Bhuvneshwar’s present is firmly with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. After a long stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Uttar Pradesh-born pacer found himself released before the mega-auction, a move that surprised many but gave him a fresh start. RCB didn't delay. They picked him up for INR 10.75 crore, indicating how much faith they still have in the veteran campaigner. And Bhuvi hasn't let them down.

In five games to date, he has six wickets to his credit with an economy of 7.84, which is extremely neat given the batting-friendly pitches of the IPL. His average reads a respectable 24.83, but importantly, he's been RCB's go-to man in tight spots, particularly in the powerplay and death overs. Bhuvi’s resurgence has coincided with RCB’s strong start to the season. With four wins from six matches, they currently sit third on the points table with eight points and a solid net run rate of +0.672. There’s a growing sense among fans that this could finally be the year for RCB. Their subsequent encounter is with Punjab Kings on April 18 at the legendary M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a ground that has witnessed both heartbreak and history over time. Bhuvneshwar will surely have an important say in that match, bringing his cool under fire to a team that's normally thrived on passion and flair.

It’s not every day that cricketers open up about their pop culture influences or childhood fandoms. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s candid chat on The Ranveer Show offered a refreshing peek into the man behind the outswinger. From idolizing Shah Rukh Khan to now holding his own in one of the world’s most demanding T20 leagues, Bhuvi’s journey continues to inspire quietly, gracefully, just like the man himself. And perhaps, maybe possibly, the young lad who rooted for KKR because of Shahrukh Khan might raise an IPL trophy under the colours of RCB, reworking his script, Bollywood fashion.

After spending 11 years in Hyderabad and then going back to the franchise where it all started, an emotional affair for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Back in the 2009-10 season, Kumar was a part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru; then he played only 1 match for them, which was in the Champions League. It was an emotional moment for the Indian pacer who spent more than a decade with the Hyderabad-based franchise.

Read More: Can RCB end the decade-old malediction at the Wankhede?

In his words, "The 10-11 years journey was quite special. To play for a team for so many years." Left Sunrisers Hyderabad and then a new journey with RCB, Kumar's young age club, a bit of nostalgia as well. He still remembers the days when he first joined the Bengaluru franchise, a long career in front, dreaming about something big. Rejoining RCB revived Kumar's memorable good old days. "I still remember that a young boy was picked for the first time (to play for RCB) in South Africa. Then again, that memory got fresh (when I came back in 2025) from the first IPL I had, and I didn't feel like it was a new team."

RCB is always known for their explosive batting unit and obviously Virat Kohli. But they are yet to cherish their dream to lift the Indian Premier League trophy. The swing master of Indian cricket did it once with the SRH in 2016 by defeating Bengaluru in the final match. The Meerut-born cricketer was in phenomenal form that year; he claimed 23 wickets in 16 games with an average of 21.30. A 26-wicket season came a season later in his career. Kumar did not hesitate to say that he felt awkward when he rejoined Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the IPL 2025 after spending 11 years with the former IPL title holder.

"After playing with the 11-year-old team, I feel a little unusually awkward, but RCB didn't make me feel that way. They did good not just for me, but for everyone in the team, which is quite good," Kumar said.

"As a human being, we want to meet more people like that. But on the field, off the field, and in my personal life, I am satisfied. 100% No regrets, no complaints."

Another thing he said, perhaps the most important line for RCB supporters, was, "Everything I did for the other team (SRH), I want to do it for this team (RCB) this year." He needs to find his level best for RCB, as he got only 2 wickets in 2 games. As a team, Bengaluru ignited their IPL 2025 at a positive nothing, confirming a couple of victories in 3 matches.

Trent Boult Leads the Pack, Followed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Others

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some incredible performances over the years, especially with bowlers making a mark in the very first over of the innings. Getting a wicket in the first over can set the tone for the entire match, and some bowlers have consistently made an impact right from the start. Here's a look at the top bowlers with the most wickets in the first over of the IPL.

Top Bowlers with Most Wickets in the First Over

• 30 Wickets – Trent Boult (96 matches)
• 27 Wickets – Bhuvneshwar Kumar (126 matches)
• 15 Wickets – Praveen Kumar (89 matches)
• 13 Wickets – Sandeep Sharma (78 matches)
• 13 Wickets – Deepak Chahar (77 matches)

🚨 Indian Premier League 2025, KKR vs MI 🚨

Most wickets in the first over in IPL

30 - Trent Boult (96 matches)
27 - Bhuvneshwar Kumar (126 matches)
15 - Praveen Kumar (89 matches)
13 - Sandeep Sharma (78 matches)
13 - Deepak Chahar (77 matches)#KKRvMI #KKRvsMI… pic.twitter.com/O7VYnjiZrj

— Sporcaster (@Sporcaster) March 31, 2025

Also read: IPL 2025 : Ashwani Kumar Marks IPL Debut with Key Wicket of Ajinkya Rahane

These bowlers have consistently delivered early breakthroughs for their teams, setting up the tone of the game right from the first over. Their ability to strike early has made them vital assets in the IPL, and their performances have often turned the tide in crucial moments

pic.twitter.com/iDEDgV6W3k BREAKING: MI FLIP THE SCRIPT AT WANKHEDE 🚨

Rohit Sharma benched. Hardik Pandya backed the bowlers. And MI have delivered BIG.

KKR were just 41-4 after Powerplay.

Deepak Chahar & Trent Boult — Both firing for the first time this season as MI picked 4…

— "Cricket ++" feat. Raj (@cricplusplus) March 31, 2025

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Set to Return for RCB Against CSK match

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Chennai Super Kings in the eighth match of IPL 2025 on Friday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. RCB made a strong start to their campaign, with Rajat Patidar guiding them to a seven-wicket win over KKR in the opening game. Now, as they get ready for a big clash against CSK, let’s look at their possible playing XI.

ALSO READ: IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans Match 9 

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Fit and Ready to Play

Experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar missed the first match due to a minor injury, but he has now recovered and is available for selection against CSK. RCB’s latest social media update suggests that Bhuvneshwar is likely to play in this important match. If he returns, the team might have to drop either Yash Dayal or Rasikh Salam from the playing XI. 

🚨 GOOD NEWS FOR RCB FANS 🚨

- Dinesh Karthik confirms that Bhuvneshwar Kumar is fit and there is no fitness concern with him. (Sportstar). pic.twitter.com/QMFeFqY0GO

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) March 27, 2025

Both bowlers took one wicket each in the last game against KKR. However, Dayal was more economical, conceding only 25 runs, while Rasikh gave away 35. Since Dayal is RCB’s only left-arm pacer and was one of the few uncapped players they retained before the mega auction, the team might prefer him over Rasikh.

Mist around the veteran Indian seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who is part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the ongoing IPL 2025 season, as he has injury concerns from the beginning of the tournament.

Read More: SRH vs LSG IPL 2025: 3 key players to watch

Kumar missed the season opener against the Kolkata Knight Riders, still not about his availability for the CSK match, which is set to play in the Chepauk stadium on March 28. RCB and Indian cricket fans have high hopes for the 'swing master,' who previously got back-to-back purple caps as the leading wicket-taker. The right-arm fast bowler has shown his brilliance in the recent domestic cricket as well. Now the questions arise, will Bhuvneshwar Kumar play against Chennai Super Kings, and when will he be fit to play the IPL 2025?

Previously it was reported that he has a little niggle; for that reason, RCB management decided not to play him in Eden Gardens, Kolkata. RCB faced KKR on March 22, Saturday. After that, there is no strong evidence or report about Kumar's fitness. Though a social media post by the official RCB account stated that, "Bhuvi will be swinging back into action sooner and bolder than ever!" But when? That's the question without a proper answer.

Read More: Delhi Capitals' Team Dinner: A Night of Bonding and Celebration

There are some speculations suggesting that Kumar is yet to recover his fitness at a higher level, and for this, he can spend more time outside the playing XI. It seems that Kumar may miss the CSK match as well, like he was out from the Kolkata Knight Riders match. If Bhuvneshwar is not ready to play the upcoming match against CSK, then Rashid Dar Salaam might get another match to showcase his talent.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) missed the experienced player Bhuvneshwar Kumar in their opening match of IPL 2025. The veteran pacer was seen sitting in the dugout due to a minor injury. However, ahead of their clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, RCB hinted that he would be back soon. In his absence, young pacer Rasikh Salam got an opportunity to play in that game. After that he was a bit expensive, but he managed to break an important partnership by dismissing Sunil Narine. He finished with figures of 3 overs, 35 runs, and 1 wicket.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be swinging back into action sooner and bolder than ever.

- RCB wrote in a post pic.twitter.com/5SZa56WkUe

— Satish Mishra 🇮🇳 (@SATISHMISH78) March 24, 2025

"Bhuvi will be swinging back into action sooner and bolder than ever!" RCB posted on March 24, reassuring fans. Bhuvneshwar hasn’t had great success against CSK, taking 13 wickets in 20 matches at an average of 39.46. However, he has been very economical, giving away only 6.90 runs per over. RCB have struggled to win in Chennai, with their last victory at the venue coming way back in 2008. Among the current players, only Virat Kohli was part of that team.

Despite missing Bhuvneshwar, RCB’s bowlers did well in the opening match at Eden Gardens, restricting the opposition to 174/8. Josh Hazlewood was the best performer, taking 2 wickets in his 4 overs. Yash Dayal also bowled well, dismissing Angkrish Raghuvanshi while giving away 25 runs in 3 overs.

ALSO READ: IPL 2025: GT vs PBKS match 5 who will be the impact players for the fifth match

 RCB’s chase was made easy by openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli, who both scored half-centuries to secure the win. Bhuvneshwar, who returned to RCB after 15 years, was bought for ₹10.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. His comeback will add more strength to RCB’s bowling attack.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is the most successful of the most glamorous teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having passionate fans and glamorous players. It was established in 2008 and has had three appearances at the final match of the IPL but never emerged with the cup. The title famine aside, RCB has produced historic matches, such as record-breaking performances with the bat.

• Team Name: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
• Founded: 2008
• City: Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Home Ground: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
• Capacity: 35,000
• Owner: United Spirits
• Team Colors: Red and Gold

IPL 2025 SCHEDULE:

• 22nd March: vs KKR in Kolkata (Saturday, Match 1)
• 28th March: vs CSK in Chennai (Friday, Match 8)
• 2nd April: vs GT in Bengaluru (Wednesday, Match 14)
• 7th April: vs MI in Mumbai (Monday, Match 21)
• 10th April: vs DC in Bengaluru (Thursday, Match 24)
• 13th April: vs RR in Jaipur (Sunday, Match 28)
• 18th April: vs PBKS in Bengaluru (Friday, Match 34)
• 20th April: vs PBKS in Mullanpur (Sunday, Match 37)
• 24th April: vs RR in Bengaluru (Thursday, Match 42)
• 27th April: vs DC in Delhi (Sunday, Match 44)
• 3rd May: vs CSK in Bengaluru (Saturday, Match 52)
• 9th May: vs LSG in Lucknow (Friday, Match 59)
• 13th May: vs SRH in Bengaluru (Tuesday, Match 64)
• 17th May: vs KKR in Bengaluru (Saturday, Match 68)

RCB SCHEDULE IN IPL 2025: 🏆 pic.twitter.com/qUFMmS3o4s

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 16, 2025

ALSO READ:IPL 2025  full schedule date time venues and complete details

Highlights of 2024:

In this article, we are talking about the top five Indian cricketers who have disappeared from the spotlight at present. 

Yuzvendra Chahal

The 34-year-old leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is the present leading T20I wicket-taker for India (96 wickets) as well as the leading IPL wicket-taker (205 wickets) and leading T20 wicket-taker as an Indian (364 wickets). He is also India’s second-fastest spinner to complete 100 ODI wickets, as he has taken 121 wickets in 72 ODIs. While Chahal has played for India in only ODI and T20I formats, his last matches in these formats were in January 2023 and August 2023, respectively. Although he was a member of the Indian team that won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, he wasn’t selected in the playing XIs. Despite his strong stats, Chahal’s position in the Indian squad is slowly moving away. Meanwhile, he shined in the recent English County season but has struggled in Indian domestic cricket. It is important to see whether he can be called up to the national team in the upcoming assignments, at least for the replacements. 

See Also: Rishabh Pant: Credits for Rohit Sharma for Shaping His Leadership

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

The 34-year-old right-arm medium pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is known for his incredible swing-bowling abilities, as he can swing the ball effectively in both ways. After his international cricket debut in December 2012, he was a dependable bowler with new balls in every format. He also developed his skills in the slog overs, and he has never stopped dominating with the new balls. Kumar played his last Test in January 2018, his last ODI in January 2022, and his last T20I in November 2022. 

Despite being the leading T20I wicket-taker for India during his last international match with 90 wickets in 87 matches, who also took 63 Test wickets and 141 ODI wickets, Kumar has been far from the spotlight since 2023. Although we still experience his abilities in the IPL, he isn’t close enough for his international comeback despite recently recording his T20 hat-trick in a domestic match. 

Ishant Sharma

The 36-year-old tall Indian right-arm fast bowler Ishant Sharma is still active in domestic cricket. He has produced many great memories for India in Test and ODI formats. He was one of the most dependable bowlers in the overseas venues. While he was the fifth-youngest bowler to complete 100 Test wickets, he has taken 311 wickets in 105 Tests and 115 wickets in 80 ODIs. Among the regular pacers, only Kapil Dev and Ishant Sharma have recorded 100 Tests for India. As time progresses, the new generation of Indian pacers is evolving, and Ishant is slowly becoming the past of Indian cricket. While he played his last white-ball match for India in January 2016, Ishant stretched his Test career to January 2021. 

Hanuma Vihari

The 31-year-old Hanuma Vihari has played only 16 Tests for India between September 2018 and July 2022. Despite serving the national team for a very short time, the right-handed batter put a special mark by scoring 839 Test runs in 28 innings with an average of 33.56, including one century and five half-centuries. Majorly effective batter in the middle order, the right-arm off-spinner has also taken five Test wickets. The right-handed batter is known for his patience and controlled batting and was a key member of India’s historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy victories in Australia in the 2018-19 season and 2020-21 seasons. During the 2021 Sydney Test, Vihari had an important role in drawing the Test with his 23 not out off 161 balls. Despite his hamstring injury just before the tea of the final day, he safely guided the visitors to the draw with another fighter, Ravichandran Ashwin (39 not out off 128 balls).

Recently, Vihari changed his domestic teams between Hyderabad and Andhra multiple times, where he was also in some controversies. His present season isn’t going well, and he is facing massive competition in the Indian team.

T Natarajan

The 33-year-old left-arm medium-pacer T Natarajan created history during India's tour of Australia in 2020-21, where he made his debut in all formats of international cricket and became the first Indian to debut in all international cricket formats on the same tour. He last played for India in March 2021. The left-arm pacer has taken seven wickets in four T20Is, three wickets in two ODIs, and three wickets in only one Test. Injuries and challenging competitions have affected his growth in international cricket.

Indian Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar joined his former team Royal Challenger Bengaluru. RCB bought him for the whopping amount of 10.75 Crores. The veteran caused the bidding war between Lucknow Supergiants and Mumbai Indians but in the end, Royal Challengers Bengaluru was able to sign him.

The pacer has 181 wickets in 176 matches with an average of 27.23. Veteran has won Purple Back back-to-back seasons in IPL 2016 & 2017. It would be a homecoming for Bhuvneshwar Kumar as he started his IPL journey with the same team in 2009.

Stealth with moves like a panther, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is #NowAChallenger. 🥶

Are you ready to witness Poetry in Motion? 😍 #PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPLAuction #BidForBold #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/VEtsd6P9R9

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) November 25, 2024

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and his IPL Journey

The Pacer was part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier in the 2009 and 2010 season. He moved to Pune Warriors India from 2011 to 2013. As Pune Warriors India got dissolved, Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him in 2014 for 4.25 Crores. Pacer was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad team for 10 years. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was monumental in their 2016 IPL winning campaign as he scalped 23 wickets with an average of 21.30 and won Purple Cap in 2016. He won the purple cap again in the 2017 season, scalping 26 wickets with an average of just 14.19.