RAIPUR: Bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar are endangered species. Doesn't have high pace. Isn't tall enough to possess high release. And is usually frontloaded so there's always going to be an element of predictability.
What he does have, though, is the ability to hang it outside off stump on a length before getting the ball to shape away or move back in a fraction. He challenges both edges to both batting types and seldom loses discipline. It's how he has remained relevant in this era of turbocharged batting units smashing down barriers.
Against Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday, he became the first frontline seamer in IPL history to feature in 200 games. On Sunday, he put out a demonstration as to how he has continued to thrive like fine wine. After his 11th game of the season came to an end at a heaving Stadium in Raipur, the 36-year-old had returned figures of four for 26.
The Purple Cap leader with 21 scalps while giving away an average of 30 runs across four overs, he has been utopian. A unicorn in 2026 when leading seamers have been conceding over nine while not picking as many wickets as him. While a lot of the focus has been on RCB's uncompromising batting style, their stylistic ability to pick up new-ball wickets is what has helped them occupy a place in the upper echelons of the table with the business end approaching. On Sunday, at their 'home away from home' in Raipur, they were at it again thanks to one of the evergreen men of Indian cricket.
At 7.30 PM, Mumbai Indians believed they could put a big total on the board after being asked to bat first. By 7.45 Pm, that veneer had been shattered. All it took was 7 balls, some movement off the deck and a couple of edges. On a fresh surface, there was already some movement when the UP lad induced Ryan Ricketon into a false shot. But the South African only managed to miscue a loft to mid-off and to the waiting hands of Rajat Patidar.
This may be a home match for RCB but many of Raipur's fans were at the Stadium to watch Rohit Sharma, a player who doesn't play many times in these parts. He was finding his touch with four boundaries in his first nine balls but Kumar, who had the ball on a string, dismissed him next. It was again that nagging line outside off. Sharma was sucked in and the delivery found the outside edge through to the keeper.
One minute later, Suryakumar Yadav, who seemingly can't buy a run at the minute, followed. A similar dismissal. 3/28 in three overs. The five-time champions recovered to post 166 on a tricky, up and down surface but the first stanza belonged to the man from Meerut.
Bhuvneshwar, just to reemphasise his importance to the franchise, hit a six in the last over before running like he has never run before, to steal a memorable win.
Brief scores: MI 166/7 in 20 ovs (Tilak 57; Kumar 4/23) lost to RCB 167/8 in 20 ovs (Krunal 73, Bhuvneshwar 7 n.o (2 balls)).
