Royal Challengers Bengaluru Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Virat Kohli (ANI Photo) Ahead of Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s landmark 200th appearance in the Indian Premier League, Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Virat Kohli praised the veteran’s longevity, intelligence and consistency in the game’s shortest format.Bhuvneshwar is all set to achieve a milestone during RCB’s clash against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. The veteran seamer has enjoyed a remarkable IPL career, taking 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 are 5/19.Ahead of the special occasion, several members of RCB, 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.
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Virat Kohli opens his childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma’s new academyKohli described Bhuvneshwar as one of the greatest pacers in IPL history and praised his ability to maintain elite standards for such a long time.“It is a huge achievement to play 200 IPL games, especially as a fast bowler. It speaks to his longevity and consistency. He has played so much cricket across formats and remained successful throughout,” Kohli said.“The thing that has always stood out about Bhuvi is his understanding of the game and his cricketing intelligence. He is definitely among the top three pacers in IPL history. When you look at his economy, the wickets he has picked up and the number of balls he delivers every match, it is truly remarkable. He is someone you can rely on under pressure every time,” he added.Hazlewood also praised Bhuvneshwar’s exceptional skill and tactical awareness, particularly his ability to swing the ball and quickly read match conditions.“I think his skills are 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 beats the opener almost every game, his communication and understanding of the conditions is extremely important. To reach 200 IPL matches is a special achievement. You are probably the first fast bowler to achieve this milestone and also the leading wicket-taker among pacers. You have achieved almost everything in this tournament,” he added.
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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 are masters at what they do. On your 200th anniversary, congratulations for the way you have performed as a man and as a player all these years,” he added.
