Virat Kohli rates RCB teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar among 'top 3 pacers in IPL history'

Ahead of Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s landmark 200th Indian Premier League appearance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Virat Kohli hailed the veteran pacer’s longevity, intelligence, and consistency in the shortest format of the game.

Bhuvneshwar is set to achieve the milestone during RCB’s clash against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. The experienced seamer has enjoyed a remarkable IPL career, claiming 215 wickets in 199 matches at an average of 26.40 and an economy rate of 7.68, including two five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls. His best figures in the tournament stand at 5/19.

Ahead of the special occasion, several RCB members, including Kohli, Josh Hazlewood and head coach Andy Flower, paid tribute to the veteran fast bowler in a video shared by the franchise on X.

Kohli described Bhuvneshwar as one of the greatest pacers in IPL history and praised his ability to maintain elite standards over such a long period.

“It’s a huge achievement to play 200 IPL games, especially as a fast bowler. That speaks volumes about his longevity and consistency. He has played so much cricket across formats and has remained successful throughout,” Kohli said.

“The thing that has always stood out about Bhuvi is his understanding of the game and his cricket intelligence. He is definitely among the top three pacers in IPL history. When you look at his economy rate, the wickets he has taken, and the number of dot balls he delivers every match, it is truly remarkable. He is someone you can rely on under pressure every single time,” he added.

Hazlewood also praised Bhuvneshwar’s exceptional skill set and tactical awareness, particularly his ability to swing the ball and quickly read match conditions.

“I think his skill set is second to none. His swing bowling is of the highest quality. The lengths he consistently hits, his ability to move the ball both ways, and the way he reads the game are outstanding,” Hazlewood said.

“For someone who bowls the opening over almost every game, his communication and understanding of conditions are extremely important. Reaching 200 IPL matches is a special achievement. You are probably the first fast bowler to reach this milestone and also the leading wicket-taker among pacers. You’ve achieved almost everything possible in this tournament,” he added.

130889825

Coach Flower described Bhuvneshwar as a master of his craft. "It's an absolute privilege to watch him do his thing," Flower said. "It's a bit like watching Virat bat and watching Bhuvi bowl. They're masters at what they do. On your 200th, congratulations on the way that you've operated as a man and as a player over all these years," he added.