Bhuvneshwar Kumar sparks debate after 2025 title return
bhuvneshwar kumar returned to his old franchise and played a key role in its 2025 title season, a comeback after 15 years. He claimed 17 wickets in 2025 at a strike rate of 18. 35 and delivered in both new-ball and death-over phases. This live dispatch, 28 March 2026, 11: 00 ET, tracks the facts, reactions, and what comes next.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Execution and return
In 2025, bhuvneshwar kumar emerged as one of the team’s major weapons, taking 17 wickets at a strike rate of 18. 35 and striking in clutch junctures to slow opponents’ scoring. He showed balance across innings, contributing with the new ball and adding value at the death. In a practice match ahead of the season he produced figures of 1/27 from three overs, using variations and precise execution that mirrored his tournament output.
The career path that led back to that title is notable: bhuvneshwar kumar was on the RCB roster in 2009 and 2010 but did not play an IPL match for the franchise, making only a single appearance in the CL T20 in that early stint. He later joined Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014 and spent a decade as the Hyderabad franchise’s highest wicket-taker, finishing that chapter with 157 wickets and playing a key role in their 2016 title triumph.
Immediate Reactions
Omkar Salvi, RCB’s bowling coach, highlighted the veteran’s mental and technical strengths. Salvi said, “Of course, everyone knows that Bhuvi has a lot of experience with him. He has gone through so many situations which helps him handle those clutch moments in the game. And that is what Bhuvi is all about. He focuses more on execution and keeps it very simple. He backs himself to pull off executions well. ” Salvi also highlighted bhuvneshwar kumar’s experience as a key factor shaping those decisive spells.
Quick Context and What’s Next
Before the 2026 season, bhuvneshwar kumar had already compiled the 2025 performance and a long SRH record that define his recent reputation. His return to the franchise that drafted him years earlier culminated in a title season that combined seasoned game management with timely skill execution.
Looking ahead, teams and coaches will watch how his workload is managed and whether match plans continue to deploy him in both the new ball and death phases; any change in role will be monitored closely during the upcoming fixtures. Expect selection decisions, bowling plans and fitness updates to determine how bhuvneshwar kumar features through the next phase of competition.