Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s script history equals the record for most wickets by an Indian bowler in…

Ahmedabad: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Bhuvneshwar Kumar (PTI Photo) Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s dream IPL 2026 campaign reached another milestone on Sunday as the veteran pacer equaled a long-standing record during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title clash against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.The RCB seamer claimed his 17th powerplay wicket this season as he dismissed Sai Sudharsan in the fourth over of the IPL 2026 final. With this breakthrough, Bhuvneshwar equaled Mohammed Shami for the most wickets taken by an Indian bowler at over 1-6 in a single edition of the IPL.Shami set the benchmark when he played for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023 and took 17 power-play wickets. Three years later, Bhuvneshwar matched the performance on the biggest stage of all.The goal itself was crucial. Gujarat Titans desperately needed their prolific opening pair of Shubman Gill and Sudharsan to ensure another strong start after both the batsmen crossed the 700-run mark during the season. However, RCB’s experienced new ball attack had other ideas.Josh Hazlewood struck first to remove Gill for 10, leaving the Titans under pressure. Bhuvneshwar then created a perfectly executed short ball plan against Sudharsan. The left-hander attempted a shot but couldn’t get on top of the bounce, keeper Jitesh Sharma completed the catch after running forward.The dismissal reduced GT to 45 for 2 in the powerplay and compounded their woes on a surface that offered little freedom for strokes.Bhuvneshwar’s success underlines his immense value to RCB this season. While much of the focus has fallen on the team’s explosive batting unit, the experienced fast bowler has consistently brought the first breakthroughs and set the tone with the new ball.His success also put him firmly in the Purple Cap race. Sudharsan’s wicket took his season tally to 28 wickets, equaling Kagiso Rabada at the top of the wicket-taking charts.

Most wickets in a power bowler in an IPL season

Player SeasonWicketsKagiso Rabada202619Mohammed Shami202317Bhuvneshwar Kumar202617Mitchell Johnson201316Trent Boult202016The recording may have been shared, but the timing made it special. On the night of the IPL finals, with RCB chasing their second title in a row, Bhuvneshwar once again produced the early breakthrough that has become his trademark over the course of IPL 2026.