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IPL 2026: Bhuvneshwar Kumar on the verge of history, set to become first pacer ever to...
TL;DR
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is set to become the first fast bowler to play 200 matches in IPL history. He currently leads the IPL 2026 Purple Cap standings with 17 wickets this season.
Key points
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar set to play 200th IPL match.
- First fast bowler to reach this milestone.
- Leads IPL 2026 Purple Cap standings with 17 wickets.
Bhuvneshwar KumarRoyal Challengers BengaluruLucknow Super GiantsIPL 2026
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is set to achieve another historic milestone in the Indian Premier League when he takes the field for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Lucknow Super Giants today at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium.
The veteran seamer will become the first fast bowler in IPL history to play 200 matches, adding yet another remarkable achievement to his illustrious T20 career. Earlier this season, on April 5, 2026, Bhuvneshwar became the first pacer, and only the second player overall after Yuzvendra Chahal, to claim 200 IPL wickets. The swing specialist has continued his superb form this season and currently leads the IPL 2026 Purple Cap standings with 17 wickets in just nine matches.
With his 200th appearance, Bhuvneshwar will also join an elite group of IPL legends to have featured in 200 or more matches, becoming only the 12th player in tournament history to reach the landmark.
Here are players with 200-plus IPL matches:
| Player | Span | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 2008–present | 278 |
| Rohit Sharma | 2008–present | 277 |
| Virat Kohli | 2008–present | 276 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 2008–present | 264 |
| Dinesh Karthik | 2008–2024 | 257 |
| Shikhar Dhawan |
Q&A
Who is the first fast bowler to play 200 matches in IPL history?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be the first fast bowler to achieve this milestone in IPL history.
How many wickets has Bhuvneshwar Kumar taken in IPL 2026?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has taken 17 wickets in IPL 2026 so far.
What milestone will Bhuvneshwar Kumar achieve in the match against Lucknow Super Giants?
He will achieve his 200th match in the IPL, joining an elite group of players with 200 or more matches.
