Bhuvneshwar Kumar continues his IPL journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as he has been retained for IPL 2026.
Last season, RCB bought him for ₹10.75 Crore, and the franchise has kept complete trust in the veteran swing bowler by retaining him at the same value for the new season.
Bhuvneshwar brings massive experience, two Purple Caps, and a proven ability to swing the ball both ways. His presence strengthens RCB’s new-ball attack and provides stability in pressure moments.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar IPL Profile – Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Bhuvneshwar Kumar |
| Team (IPL 2026) | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) |
| IPL 2026 Price | ₹10.75 Crore (Retained) |
| Role | Bowler |
| Specialization | Right-arm swing/fast seam |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| IPL Debut | 2011 |
| Matches | 198 |
| Wickets | 212 |
| Best Bowling | 5/19 |
| Economy | 7.68 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Born | 5 February 1990 |
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Career Journey in IPL
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of the greatest swing bowlers in IPL history.
He remains the only bowler to win the Purple Cap in back-to-back seasons and is known for deadly new-ball spells and highly accurate death overs.
His IPL career started in 2011, and over the years he has played for:
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (early years)
- Pune Warriors India
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (golden phase)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2025 & retained for 2026)
Even at 35, his control, variations, and leadership make him a key weapon in RCB’s bowling attack.
Read more: IPL 2026 Retention Players List
Bhuvneshwar Kumar IPL Career Batting Stats
Although mainly a bowler, Bhuvneshwar has contributed as a lower-order batter whenever needed.
| Season | Matches | Runs | HS | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 9 | 9 | – | 128.57 |
| 2025 | 14 | 14 | 8 | 4.67 | 56.00 |
| 2024 | 16 | 23 | 13 | 7.67 | 79.31 |
| 2023 | 14 | 42 | 27 | 14.00 | 89.36 |
| 2022 | 14 | 24 | 8 | 8.00 | 92.31 |
| 2021 | 11 | 34 | 14* | 34.00 | 113.33 |
| Overall | 196 | 329 | 27 | 8.65 | 91.89 |
Bhuvneshwar Kumar IPL Career Bowling Stats
He has been one of the most consistent wicket-takers in IPL history.
| Season | Matches | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Best | Avg | Econ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 31 | 236 | 14 | 3/5 | 16.85 | 7.61 |
| 2025 | 14 | 52 | 483 | 17 | 3/33 | 28.41 | 9.29 |
| 2024 | 16 | 57 | 533 | 11 | 3/41 | 48.45 | 9.35 |
| 2023 | 14 | 51 | 425 | 16 | 5/30 | 26.56 | 8.33 |
| 2022 | 14 | 52.1 | 383 | 12 | 3/22 | 31.92 | 7.34 |
| 2017 | 14 | 52.2 | 369 | 26 | 5/19 | 14.19 | 7.05 |
| Overall | 198 | 735 | 5648 | 212 | 5/19 | 26.64 | 7.68 |
Best Season: 2017 – 26 wickets, Purple Cap
Strengths: New-ball swing, pinpoint yorkers, calm death-over bowling
Milestone: Closing in on 200 IPL wickets
Bhuvneshwar Kumar IPL Auction Price History
| Year | Team | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | SRH | ₹8.50 Cr |
| 2019 | SRH | ₹8.50 Cr |
| 2020 | SRH | ₹8.50 Cr |
| 2021 | SRH | ₹8.50 Cr |
| 2022 | SRH | ₹4.20 Cr |
| 2023 | SRH | ₹4.20 Cr |
| 2024 | SRH | ₹4.20 Cr |
| 2025 | RCB | ₹10.75 Cr |
| 2026 | RCB (Retained) | ₹10.75 Cr |
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Last 10 IPL Bowling Performances
| Match | Wickets |
|---|---|
| Match 39 vs DC | 3/5 |
| Match 34 VS GT | 1/31 |
| Match 26 vs DC | 3/26 |
| Match 23 vs LSG | 3/27 |
| Match 20 vs MI | 0/38 |
| Match 16 vs RR | 0/37 |
| Match 11 vs CSK | 3/41 |
| Match 1 vs SRH | 1/31 |
| Final vs PBKS | 2/38 |
| Qualifier 1 vs PBKS | 1/17 |
| Match 70 vs LSG | 1/46 |
| Match 65 vs SRH | 1/43 |
These performances highlight his ability to strike early and deliver impactful overs in crunch matches.
Why RCB Retained Bhuvneshwar Kumar for IPL 2026
- Experience of 198 IPL matches
- Nearly 212 wickets in the league
- Excellent with new ball swing and death-overs control
- A calm bowler during pressure situations
- Ideal partner for RCB’s pace attack
- Leadership for young bowlers
His presence adds balance, skill, and experience to RCB’s bowling line-up.
Read more: – IPL 2026 Released Players List
Conclusion
Bhuvneshwar Kumar continues to be one of the most respected and impactful bowlers in the IPL.
His retention by RCB for IPL 2026 shows the franchise’s confidence in his experience and wicket-taking ability.
With nearly 209 wickets and two Purple Caps, he remains a legendary figure in the tournament.
RCB fans will expect him to deliver early breakthroughs and guide the bowling attack in the upcoming season.
