Bhuvneshwar Kumar. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s bowling potential is witnessed by all cricket fans. In his vast international career, he has bagged numerous games for India with his disciplined bowling. Moreover, the veteran has done the same for teams he represented in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In 2011, the newly formed Pune Warriors India (PWI) gave him chance to represent their team in the fourth edition of the cash-rich league.
Playing his debut season, he got four games from his team but the medium-pacer grabbed the chances with both hands, scalping three wickets at a fine economy of 6.09. Witnessing his decent show in 2011, PWI gave him more matches in the next edition of the T20 league. This time, he fetched eight wickets for the Pune-based franchise in 11 matches at a satisfactory economy of 7.20.
The talented bowler attracted the eyes of several viewers of the league with his performance against Mumbai Indians (MI). Although his team lost the important match by just 1 run, Bhuvneshwar came up well with the ball. Claiming 2/9 figures in his three-over spell, he became the most impactful bowler for his team.
In 2013, PWI disappointed their supporters for the consecutive third time but for Bhuvneshwar, the tournament went well as he did his job efficiently. Claiming 13 wickets in 16 matches at a superb economy of 6.50, he ended up as the second-best bowler for his team in the competition.
Utilising his brief international experience, he delivered some remarkable bowling numbers against some quality sides. While playing against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he racked up 2/12 figures with the ball and steered his team to a convincing 24-run victory. He continued his form in the next match too, picking up 3/18 figures against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Noting his bowling records for Pune from 2011-13, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) signed him in the IPL 2014 mega-auction at INR 4.25 crore. Donning an Orange jersey in the 2014 instalment, he looked more dominating against the opponents. Taking 20 wickets in 14 matches at an economy of 6.65, he became the third-highest wicket-taker in the seventh edition of the league.
His best in the season came in the 30th match against Rajasthan Royals (RR). Using his medium pace, the right-arm bowler decimated the Men in Pink and took the match home by 32 runs. Defending an average score of 134 for his team, he got better of dangerous RR batters. In his magnificent four-over spell, he splurged only 14 runs and grabbed four wickets which included big names, Ajinkya Rahane and James Faulkner.
Bhuvneshwar’s position elevated in Sunrisers after his excellent bowling display in the 2014 season. Leading the SRH bowling attack from the front, he scalped 18 batters in 14 matches at an economy of 7.87. With these numbers, he emerged as the leading wicket-taker for his team again.
Under David Warner’s phenomenal leadership, SRH clinched their maiden title in the ninth edition of the league. With the bat, Warner took the charge while Bhuvneshwar ensured the quality of the bowling unit. He powered his team to the trophy win with 23 wickets in 17 games at an economy of 7.42. At the end of the tournament, his mind-boggling bowling numbers also got him the distinguished Purple Cap.
SRH failed to save the title in the 2017 instalment, losing to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator game. However, the Meerut-born player showcased his efficiency again and received the Purple Cap for the second time in tandem. This time, the SRH stalwart got 26 wickets in 14 contests at an economy of 7.05.
After the 2017 edition, he hasn’t performed according to his reputation. Spearheading the bowling unit of his team, his economy has been decent in every season but his wicket-taking ability has plummeted drastically. In the previous five IPL seasons, the veteran has trapped only 43 batters in 56 contests.
In 2022, SRH had a dismal campaign under the leadership of the former New Zealand white-ball captain, Kane Williamson. On one side, Williamson looked ineffective with his captaincy and batting, while on the other side, their experienced veteran bowler, Bhuvneshwar Kumar also failed to bring cheers to the faces of SRH supporters, as he could only manage to pick up only 12 wickets in 14 appearances at an economy of 7.34.
In totality, Kumar has been among the wickets and a match-winner on several occasions. This meant that the swing master also notched up some fabulous records to his name in the mega cricket carnival.
Let’s have a glance at Bhuvneshwar’s amazing bowling records in the T20 league
Record
1.
Seventh Highest Wicket-taker in IPL (154)
2.
Most Wickets by an Indian Pacer in IPL (154)
3.
Most dot balls in IPL (1465)
4.
Most matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL (115)
5.
Most Wickets for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL (130)
6.
First Bowler to take a five-wicket Haul for Sunrisers Hyderabad
7.
Sixth most catch for SRH in IPL (25)
8.
Most Wickets in a single season of IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad (26)
9.Third highest wickets by an Indian Pacer in a single IPL season (26)
10.
Second most Maiden overs in IPL (11)
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