Bhuvneshwar Kumar celebrates after DC’s wicket. (Photo credit: IPL) NEW DELHI: Veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar put in a performance for the ages, not only powering Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a crushing victory over Delhi Capitals but also rocketing to the top of the Purple Cap order in IPL 2026. His sensational spell of 3 for 5 in three overs marked his 20th catch after the first-pace Jaspriet in three overs. Bumrah to reach the milestone.With this effort, Bhuvneshwar took 14 wickets from eight matches, level with Chennai Super Kings’ Anshul Kamboj and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Eshan Malinga. However, his improved economy of 7.61 – compared to Kamboja’s 8.56 and Malinga’s 9.44 – helped him capture the Purple Cap.
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Latest IPL 2026 Purple Cap Standings
RankPlayerWicketsMatchesOversEcon.Ave.1Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB)14831.07.6116.852Anshul Kamboj (CSK)14827.48.5616.923Eshan Malinga (SRH)14827.09.14418 (RR)13829.08.0317.925 Prince Yadav (LSG)13830.08.0618.616Kagiso Rabada (GT)13831.09.4822.617Prasidh Krishna (GT)12726.010.3842 (RR)11824.09.5420.819Mohsin Khan (LSG)9416.06.3711.3310Krunal Pandya (RCB)9827.08.8526.55Overpowered carnage brings an emphatic victoryThe match itself was defined by a brutal spell of the new ball as Bhuvneshwar and Josh Hazlewood combined to dismantle the DC batting line-up. The visitors were left in the power bowl at 13 for 6, with Bhuvneshwar striking early by taking on debutant Sahil Parakh and later removing Tristan Stubbs and skipper Axar Patel.Hazlewood complemented him perfectly and returned with figures of 4 for 12 as DC collapsed to 75 in 16.3 overs.Reflecting on his performance, Bhuvneshwar credited the conditions and the early swing. “When the ball turns and you get a couple of wickets ahead, it’s easier,” he said, adding that the team was slightly surprised by the help on offer but made the most of it. He also joked about not pushing for extra overs due to fatigue, saying he was “happy with three overs” given the heat.Chasing a modest target, RCB completed the job with ease in just 6.3 overs. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal ensured there were no hiccups, Kohli sealing the win in style with back-to-back sixes.
