The numbers
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is set to make a significant impact in IPL 2026 as he joins the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for a hefty auction price of ₹10.75 crore. At 36 years old, Kumar, often referred to as the ‘Swing King’, brings a wealth of experience and skill to a team that recently celebrated its first-ever IPL title in 2025.
Last season, Kumar showcased his bowling prowess by taking 17 wickets in 14 matches, contributing to RCB’s successful campaign. His ability to swing the ball has made him a formidable opponent, and his recent practice session highlighted this when he bowled a stunning yorker that knocked off the stumps of none other than Virat Kohli.
Kohli, who scored an impressive 657 runs in 15 innings last season, including eight fifties, will be looking to continue his form as RCB embarks on its title defense. The team will kick off their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad, a match that promises to be a thrilling encounter.
RCB’s recent success has not only been marked by their IPL title but also by their dual-holding of the IPL and Women’s Premier League (WPL) trophies. This achievement has elevated the team’s status in the cricketing world, and the addition of Kumar is expected to bolster their chances of retaining their title.
With a total of 198 wickets in IPL matches, Kumar is on the verge of reaching a significant milestone, as he approaches 200 wickets in his IPL career. Having played 282 matches, he stands as one of the league’s most experienced bowlers, and his presence in the squad is anticipated to provide both leadership and tactical acumen.
RCB’s management expressed their enthusiasm about Kumar’s return, stating, “He brings the calm, but his impact is loud! Bhuvi is HOME, and the veteran is back to shoulder responsibilities again. Show our Swing King some love, 12th Man Army.” This sentiment reflects the high expectations surrounding Kumar’s performance this season.
As the IPL season approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Kumar will integrate into the squad and what strategies RCB will employ to defend their title. The cricketing community is buzzing with anticipation, and all eyes will be on Kumar as he takes the field once again.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional changes to the RCB lineup, but with Kumar’s experience and skill, the team is poised for another exciting season in the IPL.
