Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden title in IPL 2025 with Rajat Patidar leading them for the first time in a full season. They brought several new players into their side, especially in the bowling department.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya and Yash Dayal looked stunning options for the RCB; However, if they go to the mini-auction, it is unlikely that they will have Yash Dayal.
“Bhuvneshwar Kumar was treated unfairly in the Indian team” – Mohammad Kaif and RCB star
Former RCB cricketer Mohammad Kaif feels that veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar was not treated well by the Indian selectors. He further opined that the bowler was unfairly dropped despite his great long-term record.
“I think Bhuvneshwar Kumar was treated unfairly in the Indian team. He was dropped very early. Look at him now, he came to RCB and they became champions. He has done his bit there too. Questions have been raised about his fitness,” Kaif said during a live session on his YouTube channel.
Bhuvneshwar was in high demand at the IPL 2025 mega auction and was signed for a whopping INR 10.75 crores. He subsequently became RCB’s third highest wicket-taker in the edition, taking 17 wickets from 14 innings.
“I feel if he gets a chance to play, he will still take wickets,” said Mohammad Kaif
The 35-year-old out-of-favour Indian pacer has remained absent from the India national team since 2022 as it remains clear that in a recent development he may not be seen further if he is given any more opportunities at the top level of the game.
“A fast bowler will suffer injuries at some point in his career. That is when you have to support him. However, they moved on from Bhuvneshwar Kumar very quickly. India still does not have a replacement for Bhuvneshwar Kumar,” he added.
He also stated that the veteran Indian star will continue to play for RCB for many years to come.
“I feel if he gets a chance to play, he will still pick up wickets. He doesn’t want to play Test matches because of his body and has focused on white ball cricket. He will play a lot of white ball cricket. He has just had his best year where he played a role in RCB’s victory,” said the former RCB batsman.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar IPL Stats
Bhuvneshwar Kumar made his debut in the IPL in 2011 when he started playing for the Pune Warriors India as he came into the limelight. He picked 13, 20 and 18 wickets between 2013 and 2015.
He was part of SRH’s title-winning campaign in IPL 2016 where he finished with a purple cap and 23 wickets in 17 matches. The following season he came back stronger with 26 wickets in 14 matches.
He moved from SRH to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and picked up 17 wickets in the season, making a strong comeback and knocking on the door of 200 wickets in the IPL. He is said to be the first pacer to reach the milestone.
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