Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar believes that at this stage of his career, contributing to the team’s success is more important than chasing individual milestones. His recent performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the ongoing Indian Premier League have taken him to the top of the goalscoring charts this season.
The experienced fast bowler has been RCB’s most reliable player with the ball. He produced another strong outing, returning figures of 3/28 during his side’s run a four-wicket loss to Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday evening, April 30. Despite the defeat, Bhuvneshwar’s disciplined spell stood out in what turned out to be a relatively low-key contest.
GT vs RCB: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
Bhuvneshwar admitted after the match that he had won the Purple Cap but made it clear that personal honors were no longer his primary focus. “It’s good that I got the Purple Cap. But I think I’ve come out of the stage where I want to achieve something individually,” he told reporters after the match. “Obviously I still want to prove something, but now it’s more about the team. I’m not young anymore. When you’re younger, you naturally strive for these awards and they come when you perform well.”
The 36-year-old has taken 17 wickets in nine innings this season at an impressive average of 15.53. His performances helped him overtake Eshan Malinga of Sunrisers Hyderabad, who previously held the Purple Cap with 15 wickets.
Bhuvi in a press conference:-
No more chasing caps and chasing wins for the team.
That hunger for individual glory has now turned into something bigger.
Performing well feels good, but contributing to the team means everything.
Confidence grows and support from the party pic.twitter.com/eDbqgSIiFB— Ankur (@flick_class) May 1, 2026
Bhuvneshwar further emphasized that while individual recognition feels rewarding, his mindset has shifted towards contributing to collective goals. “When you work for the team’s success and also get individual rewards, it’s a good feeling. But honestly, I’m trying to do my best. I’m getting the trust of the management and that’s what matters the most,” he added.
Bhuvneshwar also achieved a major career milestone during his 325th T20 appearance. He became the first Indian pacer and only the second Indian overall to reach 350 wickets in T20 cricket. He now has 352 wickets at an average of 24.51, including five fours and five fives, with best figures of 5/4. Only Yuzvendra Chahal has more T20 wickets among Indians with 391 scalps in 337 matches.
RCB are currently second in the points table with 12 points just behind Punjab Kings who have a game in hand. They will next face Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on May 7.
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Published on:
01 May 2026 10:44 IST
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