Bhuvneshwar Kumar https://www.cricketwinner.com Bhuvneshwar Kumar Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:06:13 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html https://github.com/jpmonette/feed en Copyright © 2024 Cricket Winner. All Rights Reserved. <![CDATA[Who is the RCB pacer who took 2 wickets on the opening day of SMAT 2025?]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/who-is-the-rcb-pacer-who-took-2-wickets-on-the-opening-day-of-smat-2025/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/who-is-the-rcb-pacer-who-took-2-wickets-on-the-opening-day-of-smat-2025/ Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:32:21 GMT

Ahead of IPL 2026, cricketers who are out of Team India are trying to do their best in the 2025 season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT 2025). On the opening day of the T20 tournament, the experienced pacer of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made a huge impact for Uttar Pradesh. 

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with his controlled bowling and swing, took a couple of wickets on Wednesday (November 26) for Uttar Pradesh against Goa. Along with taking those wickets, he proved to be the most successful bowler of his team in terms of conceding the least number of runs. In his 4-over spell, the seamer got 2 wickets at an economy rate of 5.75. 

Goa went to bat first at Jadavpur University Campus 2nd Ground in Kolkata and lost Ishaan Gadekar, one of their openers, early in the innings. Kumar bowled him out cleanly. Next, the pacer took on Rajashekhar Harikant at the moment when the keeper-batter was about to accelerate the run rate. 

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RCB star Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked-up brace for UP in SMAT 2025

Batting first, Goa registered 172 runs in exchange for 9 wickets in 20 overs. Uttar Pradesh did not face too much trouble chasing down the competitive total. With 10 balls and 6 wickets in hand, they successfully chased down the target and won the match with ease. Aryan Juyal, opener of Uttar Pradesh, remained unbeaten for 93 off 57 as he smashed eleven boundaries and three over boundaries effortlessly. 

RCB Retained Players: 

Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, and Suyash Sharma.

]]> <![CDATA[Top 7 Indians with Most player of the Series Awards in T20I's Ft. Abhishek Sharma]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-stats/top-7-indians-with-most-player-of-the-series-awards-in-t20i-s-ft-abhishek-sharma/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-stats/top-7-indians-with-most-player-of-the-series-awards-in-t20i-s-ft-abhishek-sharma/ Sat, 08 Nov 2025 23:35:00 GMT

In the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, consistency is a rare characteristic. However, an individual can dominate an entire series of matches with match-winning performances across multiple games, inspiring confidence in teammates, and winning Player of the Series award as a badge of dominance. India has produced a long list of such match-winners in the batting, bowling and all-rounder disciplines, who have defined a moment, turned a contest around, and stamped their authority on world cricket. From the calm brilliance of Virat Kohli, the explosive nature of modernity of Suryakumar Yadav, the death-over brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah and the fearlessness of youth in Abhishek Sharma, there is an indelible impression made by all of these names. 

Now let us look at the Indian cricketers in T20Is with the most Player of the Series awards, which is ultimately a list of modern match-winners, who have contributed to India's ascendency in the shortest form of the game.

1) Virat Kohli – 7 Awards

Virat Kohli, the public face of Indian cricket for the past ten years, remains on top with an incredible record of seven 'Player of the Series' awards in T20 international cricket. His consistency, particularly in chasing, and ability to remain calm under pressure, has led to him being called the “Chase Master." Kohli's T20I legacy is defined not only by runs but by his ability to deliver at the opportune moment and when needed most.

During his seven series, Kohli scored 1,842 runs at a staggering average of 92.10 and strike rate of 145.38, including three centuries and fourteen half-centuries. Kohli has turned those tremendous moments of high-pressure into personal milestones for themselves, from his unforgettable 90* against Australia in Mohali in 2016, to his perfect 122* against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup. Most notably, India has never lost a bilateral T20I series in which Kohli earned Player of the Series meaning he had an unmistakable effect.

2) Suryakumar Yadav – 5 Awards

Redefining batting in the modern-day phenomenon of Indian T20 cricket, Suryakumar Yadav is already well on the way to moving into the category of the greats. With five Player of the Series awards under his belt, and the kind of fearlessness associated with his batting, in addition to the 360-degree shot-making, Suryakumar Yadav has become a true nightmare for bowlers around the world. In a short span of time, he has already become the standard for creativity and confidence, blending both style and reliability.

In performances that have earned him Player of Series honors, Suryakumar has scored 1,103 runs at an average of 71.40 and a remarkable strike rate of 181.63, complete with two centuries and eight fifties. Some of his most impactful series include the 2022 tour to the West Indies in which he scored three fifties in three matches, and the 2023 series played at home against Sri Lanka in which his innings of 112 not out and 51 not out spoke of his superiority when it comes to adaptability. One of the most iconic shots in modern cricket is his one-handed pick-up flick over fine leg to bring events into even further perspective, perfectly illustrating both his fearless batting and silly shot-making style.

3) Jasprit Bumrah – 3 Awards

When you talk about match-winning spells, Jasprit Bumrah is simply in a class of his own. The spearhead of India’s bowling attack and a maestro of precision, Bumrah has won three Player of the Series awards based on his ability to change matches on the ball. He can break partnerships during the Powerplay and gluttonize batters during the death - he is always an influence.

In series when Bumrah has been the best, he has taken 38 wickets at an average of just 11.21 and an economy rate of 5.83, and in that time he has taken two five-wicket hauls, including his career-best 6/12 against England in 2025. Bumrah's spells in Durban, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad have been iconic to India's T20 supremacy. Even more astonishingly, Bumrah owns the record for most wickets taken by an Indian in T20I series deciders - that demonstrates his talent for striking when the pressure is at its peak.

4) Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 3 Awards

Quiet, composed, and simply effective, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of India's best new-ball specialists in white-ball cricket. He can swing the ball both ways and control the run-rate in the powerplay - three Player of the Series awards in T20Is serves as evidence. For almost a decade, Bhuvi has been India's first-choice player to get wickets with the new ball.

In his Player of the Series winning performances, he has taken 34 wickets at an average of 13.50 and an economy rate of 6.41, with a best performance of 5/4 against South Africa in 2018. From the memorable five-for in Johannesburg to his spells against Australia and Sri Lanka, Bhuvneshwar showed that 'smart' bowling can win games, not just 'fast' bowling. His knuckleball, always disguised, continues to deceive some of the world's best batters.

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5) Hardik Pandya – 3 Awards

Hardik Pandya is India's go-to all-rounder when it comes to T20 internationals, consistently demonstrating an affinity for the big moment. He has attained three Player of the Series awards, showcasing his ability to change the game with both bat and ball with the ability to shift the fortunes of the match entirely by himself. He is one of the most valuable T20 players in the world due to his ability to strike the ball cleanly and bowl seamers cleverly.

During his Player of the Series awards, Hardik has had a successful career that has included scoring 612 runs at 51.00 average, taking 29 wickets, and achieving a strike rate of 158.5. Some of his best performances included the 2022 Player of the Series run against England which featured an incredible all-round performance of 71* off 33 balls, and taking 4 wickets for 16 runs as well as match-winning performances against the Sri Lankan series in 2021 and a series win against Bangladesh in 2024. Hardik has been India's go-to when they have required a moment of magic, either with the wicket or the boundary.

6) Rohit Sharma – 2 Awards

The Hitman of Indian cricket has been known for quite a while for making a small start turn into a statement. Apart from his two Player of the Series awards, Rohit’s temperament to perform in big matches and timing has frequently set the tone for India's T20 success. When in form, there are few bowlers in world cricket who can hold him back.

Rohit has, in his series as mentioned, accumulated 378 runs with the glistening average of 94.50 and strike-rate of 161.5 - these include his phenomenal 121* against South Africa in 2022. Rohit’s twin tons in their series against West Indies and South Africa will always be acknowledged as hallmarks of India's T20 journey thus far. Whether loading up with KL Rahul at the other end, or the sole opener, Rohit's graceful and powerful combination continues to rank him as India's most trusted match winner.

7) Abhishek Sharma – 2 Awards*

The youngest and most recent player on this elite list is Abhishek Sharma, India's up-and-coming T20 star. The left-handed opener had a breakout year in 2025, earning two Player of the Series titles in his first season- no small feat, which illustrates how talented and composed a player- and person he really is. 

In Abhishek's two Player of the Series series, he scored 412 runs at an average of 82.40 and a strike rate close to 200, with 2 centuries and 3 fifties. Abhishek's innings of 124* vs Zimbabwe and 102* vs Sri Lanka proved his power, calmness as he batted and his range of shot-making. Still early in his career, Abhishek has found a way to dominate the powerplay, an entirely new attacking approach at the top for India. At this early stage of his career he is already being touted as one of India's brightest T20 stars- fearless, focus and full of flair.

FAQs

1. Who has the most Player of the Series awards for India in T20Is? 
With 7 Player of the Series awards in T20 internationals, Virat Kohli holds the record among Indians. 

2. How many Player of the Series does Suryakumar Yadav have? 
India's sensational middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav has won 5 Player of the Series awards in T20 internationals.

3. Which bowlers have the most Player of the Series awards for India in T20Is? 
Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar share the distinction of being the bowlers with the most Player of the Series awards for India in T20 internationals, each with 3 awards. Both bowlers have been a match-changing accountant with ball in hand - Bumrah at the death and Bhuvneshwar at the powerplay.

4 How many Player of the Series awards has Hardik Pandya won in T20I formats?
All-rounder Hardik Pandya has earned the Player of the Series award three times in T20I internationals, displaying his ability to shine with both bat and ball as an all-rounder on the biggest stage while it matters most.

5 Who is the youngest Indian to win multiple Player of the Series awards in T20Is?
In 2025, Abhishek Sharma became the youngest Indian to accumulate two Player of the Series accolades after only 11 T20I matches, quickly becoming one of India's next T20 stars as an aggressive left-handed opener.

]]> <![CDATA[Top 5 Indian Bowlers with Most Wickets in T20Is]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/top-5-indian-bowlers-with-most-wickets-in-t20is/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/top-5-indian-bowlers-with-most-wickets-in-t20is/ Sat, 20 Sep 2025 13:12:11 GMT

In T20I cricket, big-hitting batters usually steal the show with sixes and quick runs. But behind all the fireworks, a few Indian bowlers have proved how important they are to the game.

Under pressure from hard-hitting batters, these bowlers have turned tough moments into chances to shine. Bowling in T20s is never easy it needs control, quick thinking, and the ability to stay ahead of the batter. Still, these Indian bowlers have done it many times, using smart variations to beat even the most dangerous opponents.

Top 5 Indian Bowlers with the Most Wickets in T20Is

5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 90 wickets

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is key bowler for India in T20s. He could swing the ball and bowl accurately in the last overs. He often took early wickets and stopped runs at the end of the game. In 87 matches, he took 90 wickets. His best performance was 5 wickets for 4 runs. He hasn’t played for India since the 2022 T20 World Cup but was always dependable.

4. Jasprit Bumrah – 92 wickets

Jasprit Bumrah is one of India’s best T20 bowlers. His crushing yorkers, slower balls, and bouncers make him dangerous in big moments. In 72 matches, he took 92 wickets. His best figures are 3 wickets for 7 runs. He bowls economically with an average of 16.8 and an economy of 6.29. He can both stop runs and take important wickets.

3. Hardik Pandya – 96 wickets

Hardik Pandya is known for his all-round skills. While his batting he can hit big sixes and he can play very aggresively when team needs,his bowling has helped India win many matches . In 117 games, he has taken 96 wickets, with best figures of 4/16. His bowling average is 26.61 and economy is 8.21, showing he is consistent. Hardik can change games with both bat and ball.

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2. Yuzvendra Chahal – 96 wickets

Yuzvendra Chahal has been India’s main spinner in T20s. His leg-spin and variations confuse batsmen. He has 96 wickets in 80 matches and was India’s top wicket-taker until Arshdeep Singh passed him. His 6/25 against England in 2017 is one of the best spells in T20Is. Surprisingly, he has never played a T20 World Cup game for India.

1. Arshdeep Singh – 100 wickets

Arshdeep Singh is now a key bowler for India in T20s. He was India’s top wicket-taker in both the 2022 (10 wickets) and 2024 (17 wickets) T20 World Cups. In 64 matches, he has taken 100 wickets at an average of 18.37. He has two four-wicket hauls, with his best figures of 4/9 against the USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

]]> <![CDATA[India’s 5 Highest Wicket-Takers in Men’s T20 Asia Cup Featuring Hardik Pandya]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/india-s-5-highest-wicket-takers-in-men-s-t20-asia-cup-featuring-hardik-pandya/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/india-s-5-highest-wicket-takers-in-men-s-t20-asia-cup-featuring-hardik-pandya/ Tue, 09 Sep 2025 18:21:41 GMT

Asia Cup 2025 will start with a Group B match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, September 9. The tournament is in T20 format and is being seen as an important preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.

This will be the 17th edition of the Asia Cup. So far, only two editions have been played in the T20 format, while all the others were in ODI format. The tournament was first played as a T20 event in 2016 in Bangladesh and for the second time in 2022 in the UAE.

Team India won the 2016 edition by beating hosts Bangladesh by eight wickets in the final at Mirpur. However, in 2022, the Men in Blue could not reach the final as they struggled in the Super Four round. Ahead of Asia Cup 2025, in this article, we shared India’s five highest wicket-takers in the T20 men’s Asia Cup.

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3. Jasprit Bumrah, R Ashwin, and Ashish Nehra

Jasprit Bumrah, R Ashwin, and Ashish Nehra

Jasprit Bumrah, R Ashwin, and Ashish Nehra

 

Pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Ashish Nehra, along with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, are tied for third among Indian bowlers with the most wickets in the T20 men’s Asia Cup. Each has six wickets in the tournament. While Ashwin and Nehra have retired from international cricket, Bumrah can add to his tally in the upcoming edition in the UAE.

Bumrah picked six wickets in five matches at an average of 15.66 and an economy of 5.22. His best figures of 2-27 came against Sri Lanka in Mirpur in 2016, where he dismissed Shehan Jayasuriya and Chamara Kapugedera as India won by five wickets.

Nehra took six wickets in four matches during the 2016 edition, with an average of 16.50 and an economy of 7.07. His best of 3-23 came against Bangladesh in Mirpur, dismissing Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, and Mashrafe Mortaza as India won by 45 runs.

Ashwin played six matches in the T20 men’s Asia Cup, claiming six wickets at an average of 23.83 and an economy of 6.50. His best of 2-26 came against Sri Lanka in 2016, where he dismissed Milinda Siriwardana and Thisara Perera as India won by five wickets.

2. Hardik Pandya

H

All-rounder Hardik Pandya is second on the list of Indian bowlers with the most wickets in the T20 men’s Asia Cup. In eight matches, he took 11 wickets at an average of 18.81 and an economy of 7.01.

His best figures of 3-8 were registered against Pakistan in Mirpur in 2016, dismissing Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Sami, and Mohammad Amir as India won by five wickets. He also had figures of 3-25 against Pakistan in Dubai in 2022 and scored 33 off 17 balls*, helping India win another thrilling game.

1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is India’s leading wicket-taker in the T20 men’s Asia Cup. In six matches, he picked up 13 wickets at an average of 9.46 and an economy of 5.34, including one five-wicket haul and one four-wicket haul.

Bhuvneshwar took sensational 5-4 against Afghanistan in Dubai during the 2022 Super Four clash, dismissing Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Karim Janat, Najibullah Zadran, and Azmatullah Omarzai. Chasing 213, Afghanistan were held to 111-8. He also claimed 4-26 against Pakistan in 2022, dismissing Babar Azam, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, and Naseem Shah, helping India bowl Pakistan out for 147.

 

]]> <![CDATA[UP T20 2025, Match 22: Kanpur Superstars vs Lucknow Falcons full match highlights]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/up-t20-2025-match-22-kanpur-superstars-vs-lucknow-falcons-full-match-highlights/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/up-t20-2025-match-22-kanpur-superstars-vs-lucknow-falcons-full-match-highlights/ Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:27:32 GMT

Kanpur Superstars won a comfortable win against Lucknow Falcons by 8 wickets in the 22nd match of UP 2025. Chasing 163 runs, Kanpur batted with confidence and chased the runs in just 15.4 overs.

Batting first, Lucknow Falcons scored 162 runs losing 8 wickets in 20 overs. Aaradhya Yadav played the key role with a great 59 runs from 44 balls, while Mohammad Saif scored a quick fire 43 runs in 31 balls. Kritagya Singh also added 26 runs, but the Falcons could not finish strongly as Kanpur bowlers picked up wickets at the right time. Rahul Sharma took two wickets, while Vineet Panwar, Shubham Mishra and Daman Singh chipped in with one each.



In reply, Kanpur Superstars were in complete control. Their batsmen played calmly, kept the scoreboard moving and never allowed the bowlers to sit in the strong position. Boundaries came at regular times and partnerships kept building, which made the chase look easy. The key player was Sameer Rizvi,he scored 76 runs in 32 balls. The Falcons bowlers tried different ways to stop the flow of the runs.


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from this 8-wicket victory, Kanpur Superstars have shown their batting depth and strong approach in the UP 2025. Lucknow Falcons will be disappointed as their bowlers could not defend a defending total. The Superstars, on the other side, will take a lot of confidence moving forward in the tournament.

]]> <![CDATA[UP T20 2025, Match 15: Kashi Rudras vs Lucknow Falcons full match highlights]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/up-t20-2025-match-15-kashi-rudras-vs-lucknow-falcons-full-match-highlights/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/up-t20-2025-match-15-kashi-rudras-vs-lucknow-falcons-full-match-highlights/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 11:02:06 GMT

Kashi Rudras put up a strong performance to beat Lucknow Falcons by 19 runs in a thrilling match. Kashi Rudras Batted first, they scored Rudras 187/4 in 20 overs. Captain Karan Sharma played brilliantly 71 runs in 44 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes. At the top, Deepak Rana played a steady hand with 46 runs from 43 balls.


Towards the end, Saksham Rai scored a quick 26 runs in 14 balls, while Shubham Chaubey stayed not out on 16 runs in 10 balls, giving the team a strong finish for Rudras. For Lucknow, Vipraj Nigam bowled well and took 2 crucial wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Akshu Bajwa took one wicket each.



Chasing 188 runs, Lucknow Falcons tried hard but kept losing wickets. Samarth Singh batted well for 47 runs in 35 balls, and Priyam Garg contributed well with him scored 32 runs from 27 runs. In the middle order, Mohammad Saif played a quick knock of 26 runs in 15 balls, while Kritagya Singh hit a fiery 28 from 15 balls, keeping Falcons in the game. But the pressure for the batting team. They ended with 168 wickets in 7 wickets in their 20 overs, falling short by 19 runs.

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For Rudras, Atal Bihari Vipin Rai waso ne of the key bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 32 runs. Shiva Singh bowled a tight spell, finishing with 2 wickets for just 18 runs, while Shivam Mavi and Sunil Kumar got one wicket each. It was a complete team effort from Kashi Rudras solid batting at the top and disciplined bowling at the end made the difference. Lucknow Falcons had their moments but could not finish the job

]]> <![CDATA[[WATCH] Bhuvneshwar Kumar gives masterclass of swing bowling during UP T20 League 2025]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/watch-bhuvneshwar-kumar-gives-masterclass-of-swing-bowling-during-up-t20-league-2025/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/watch-bhuvneshwar-kumar-gives-masterclass-of-swing-bowling-during-up-t20-league-2025/ Sat, 23 Aug 2025 10:37:47 GMT

With the announcement of the 15-member squad for the Indian team of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, many fans spoke about the omission of Shreyas Iyer, the middle order batter. However, a very few spoke about the absence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who, according to many, could have been a fabulous pacer using his pace and swing with the new ball inside the powerplay.

Just a few days after the squad declaration, Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave a masterclass of swing bowling during the ongoing UP T20 league 2025 at the Ekhana Stadium in Lucknow for the Lucknow Falcons against the Gaur Gorakhpur Lions. The batters hardly had any idea of how to face the 35-year-old veteran, who has been out of the Indian side for a long time.

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In the video that has gone viral, Bhuvi tested the batter with two successive out-swinging deliveries before the third ball held its line to go straight. The fourth delivery was an in-swinging ball that cut the right-handed batter in two halves. The batter tried to use his feet, but that hardly matter, as he kept missing the balls going away from his body.

Watch: Bhuvneshwar Kumar shows swing bowling masterclass during UP T20 League 2025

It was another exhibition where the batter was cut in between with an in swinging delivery, and later when he expected the same ball to come, it went the other way around. Most of the balls kept missing the batters, none of whom got any bat on it. It was unfortunate that despite the masterclass, Bhuvneshwar was not able to pick up a wicket in the innings.

The Falcons’ captain ended with figures of 1/16 in his four overs. Despite his hard work, Siddharth Yadav’s fine knock of unbeaten 88 runs in 45 balls helped Gorakhpur chase down the target with a ball to spare and seven wickets in hand.

Bhuvneshwar, who is out of the national side since November 2022, has 90 T20I wickets in 86 innings at an average of 23.10 and an economy rate of under seven. In T20s, he has overall 327 scalps in 308 innings at an average of 25.11 and an economy rate of 7.36.

]]> <![CDATA[Three bowlers who can shine and score the most number of runs in the IPL 2025 Final]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/three-bowlers-who-can-shine-and-score-the-most-number-of-runs-in-the-ipl-2025-final/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/three-bowlers-who-can-shine-and-score-the-most-number-of-runs-in-the-ipl-2025-final/ Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:40:36 GMT

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru(RCB) brace themselves for an intense showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The 3rd of June, 2025, will mark a significant date in the chapter of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the world sits in anticipation to see a new title winner. 

PBKS had a smooth road to the playoffs and faced minimal hiccups along the way, finishing at the top during the league stage. However, leading into the playoffs, they were severely jolted by RCB in Qualifier one game as they crashed out on the back of a thumping nine-wicket defeat. But Shreyas & Co. regained momentum just in time and clinically brushed MI aside in Qualifier two to book their spot in the IPL final only for the second time in their history.

RCB, on the other hand, have also been in top form, finishing second in the points table with nine wins in 14 matches. In fact, they were the first team to qualify for the IPL 2025 final, beating PBKS by nine wickets in Qualifier one. They will meet their old adversaries from Qualifier one again and will be looking to repeat a similar sort of performance to annihilate PBKS once and for all in the final.

But as the age-old saying goes, batters win you matches, but the bowlers win you tournaments. Hence, the spotlight will be on the bowlers tonight as they have a key role to play in containing the star-studded batting line-ups on both sides. Having said that, let's dive in to unravel the top three bowlers who are likely to contribute heavily with the ball in the IPL final tonight.

See also: Three batters who can shine and score the most number of runs in the IPL 2025 Final

Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Josh Hazlewood is arguably one of the best operating seamers of the tournament so far. The Aussie paceman is now the fourth-highest wicket-taker of the competition overall, and the highest wicket-taker for his franchise. He has claimed 21 wickets at a stunning average of 15.8, which includes his best figures of 4-33 against RR in a winning cause. Following his temporary exclusion from the squad due to back injury, RCB's death bowling deteriorated significantly. The franchise had one of the worst economy rates in the death overs, with bowlers conceding at a galloping rate of 11 RPO. But his re-entry to the side bolstered RCB ahead of the Qualifier 1 game against PBKS, where he played an instrumental role in not only keeping the run flow down but also pegging the momentum of the opposition by striking at key intervals.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

The veteran Indian pacer has a plethora of white-ball experience, both on an international and domestic scale. Bhuvi has also played a lot of franchise cricket and over the years, has developed a wide range of tricks that make him a tricky proposition to contend with. He currently shares the second spot with Krunal in the list of wicket-takers for his side and has scripted a few noteworthy performances this year. In 13 matches, Bhuvi has claimed 15 wickets at a formidable average of just under 30, with his best performance being against DC, where he bagged match-winning figures of 3-33. In a match where the stakes are high, the team will bank on Bhuvneshwar Kumar's experience and will require him to take wickets, particularly with the new ball.

Arshdeep Singh (Punjab Kings)

Arshdeep is a highly skilled operator with the new ball and has developed a reputation for picking wickets regularly inside the powerplay. Very seldom does he go wicketless inside the powerplay. Moreover, he is equally a very capable bowler in the death overs and is skilled enough to execute pinpoint yorkers. Arshdeep has grown in stature over the years, and as a result, his repertoire has also expanded as well. He is the highest wicket-taker for his franchise this season with 18 scalps across 15 games. His average stands at an impressive 26.55, whereas his strike rate is astonishingly low (18.11). His superb spell of 3-16 against DC helped PBKS register a comfortable 37-run win. Although his form in the recent two games has been concerning, Arshdeep continues to be a potent threat to the batting opposition.

 

]]> <![CDATA["Shaandaar Jeet, RCB ka Jabardast Jalwa!" – RCB crushed PBKS by 8 wickets ]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/shaandaar-jeet-rcb-ka-jabardast-jalwa-rcb-crushed-pbks-by-8-wickets/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/shaandaar-jeet-rcb-ka-jabardast-jalwa-rcb-crushed-pbks-by-8-wickets/ Thu, 29 May 2025 23:29:10 GMT

The first qualifier match of IPL 2025 was played on 29 May at Mullanpur ground in Chandigarh. In which the teams of RCB and Punjab (RCB vs PBKS Highlights) were face to face. In this match, the Bangalore team has won in a one-sided manner. With the victory in this match, RCB has reached the final in 2025 after 2016. While the wait for the final will still continue for Punjab.

RCB in the final after 9 years

IPL 2025 has been very special for the Bangalore team since the beginning. This is the reason why the team has also reached the final of this season. The first qualifier match was played on 29 May in which the team of Punjab Kings was face to face. In this match, Punjab batted first but the team was restricted to just 101 runs. All the batsmen failed to score runs for Punjab in this match. On the other hand, RCB completely dominated Punjab in this match. Be it batting or bowling. Because RCB chased this target of 102 runs in just 10 overs.

Punjab Kings have reached Qualifier 2 after losing in the first qualifier. While the eliminator match of this season will be played on 30 May. In which the teams of Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians were face to face. Whichever team wins this match will play against Punjab on June 1 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In such a situation, it will be interesting to see whether Punjab will be able to win this match or say that it will be out of the playoffs despite topping the points table.

ALSO READ: Top 3 reasons why Punjab Kings Lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1

Twitter reactions after RCB wins Qualifier match of IPL 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> <![CDATA["Punjabi All Out ho gaye ooye" - Fans react as Punjab Kings get all out for 101 in PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/punjabi-all-out-ho-gaye-ooye-fans-react-as-punjab-kings-get-all-out-for-101-in-pbks-vs-rcb-qualifier-1/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/punjabi-all-out-ho-gaye-ooye-fans-react-as-punjab-kings-get-all-out-for-101-in-pbks-vs-rcb-qualifier-1/ Thu, 29 May 2025 22:04:38 GMT

Royal Challengers Bengaluru put on a fantastic bowling show to bowl out Punjab Kings for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs in the first innings of Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

Punjab Kings had a tough time right from the start, losing four wickets in the first six overs during the powerplay. Their top batsmen couldn’t handle the pressure from RCB’s tight bowling. Only Prabhsimran Singh managed to score a decent 18 runs off 10 balls, while the rest of the top order failed to reach double digits.

The troubles didn’t stop there. Yash Dayal bowled Nehal Wadhera out for 8 runs early in the seventh over, leaving Punjab Kings at 50 for five. Soon after, leg-spinner Suyash Sharma came into the attack and made an instant impact.

The Punjab Kings were in trouble as wickets kept falling quickly. Shashank Singh and Musheer Khan couldn’t stay long and were both dismissed by Suyash. By halfway through the innings, Punjab was struggling at 71 for 7. Marcus Stoinis tried to steady the innings with 26 runs off 17 balls but was out in the 11th over.

Dayal finished his four overs with 2 wickets for 26 runs. Romario Shepherd also made a difference by taking a wicket in his first over, sending Harpreet Brar back cheaply. Azmatullah Omarzai was the last to go, scoring 18 runs off 12 balls. Both Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma picked up three wickets each.

ALSO READ: [WATCH] Qualifier 1: Jitesh Sharma’s stunning catch off Hazlewood seals PBKS’s fate in PBKS vs RCB Clash in IPL 2025

After the innings, Suyash Sharma said, “We followed the plans given by our coaches and stuck to them. I felt good bowling today, and the batsmen couldn’t read my googly well. Even though this was a semi-final, we played it like a normal game. Playing here before helped us stay calm.”

Fans react as Punjab Kings get all out for 101 Against RCB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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