Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s India comeback initiated, thanks to RCB

The 26th match of the ongoing IPL 2026 between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has witnessed Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s one of the best performances of his career on Saturday, April 18, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

It felt like the game was completely dominated by Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the RCB seamer produced a spell that brought back memories of his best days, leaving DC batting tottering at the start.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar turns back time with a dream spell vs Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals looked under serious pressure, having lost three wickets for just 18 runs, and it seemed like the chase could collapse anytime against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. But David Miller and Tristan Stubbs turned the tables and guided DC to a 6-wicket win over the hosts in Bengaluru.

Read Also: "Yeah, accepting that...": LSG boss Sanjiv Goenka speaks out on 'rift' with Rishabh Pant

Defending 175, Bhuvneshwar came in with full control and a clear plan. He used swing smartly in the power play. His tight lines and late movement reduced DC to just 18 for 3 in the third over itself. It was a dream start for RCB, all thanks to Bhuvneshwar. He ended his spell with 3 wickets for 26 runs.

Well, it was the senior Indian bowler’s consistency this season that left everyone amazed. The Uttar Pradesh bowler has troubled top players with his swing and accuracy, which have been his biggest strengths over the years. He has already picked up 10 wickets in 6 games at an average of 20.00 and an economy rate of 8.33 so far in the ongoing IPL 2026.

Mohammad Kaif gets emotional watching Bhuvneshwar Kumar shine again; demands India recall

Following the RCB vs DC match, former Indian star Mohammad Kaif got emotional after watching Bhuvneshwar Kumar's remarkable performances in the ongoing IPL 2026.

He went back to the early days of the bowler’s career in Uttar Pradesh and remembered how his control and swing stood out even when he was very young. Kaif said that there is no reason why Bhuvneshwar can’t make India come back.

Mohammad Kaif posted, X: “There are moments when one gets emotional. Watching Bhuvi bowl so beautifully today brought back memories of the days when he was just 17. I was the UP captain and was impressed by his control and swing.

But selectors said he was too young. I insisted. Bhuvi made his Ranji debut and got Sachin Paaji for a duck in the final. He's 36 now and still troubles the best of batsmen with his swing. India's comeback? Why not? Bhuvi still has it in him.”

Read Also: Mohammad Rizwan admits “I don’t deserve a place in Pakistan team” amid poor PSL 2026 form

There are moments when one gets emotional. Watching Bhuvi bowl so beautifully today brought back memories of the days when he was just 17. I was the UP captain, and was impressed by his control and swing. But selectors said he was too young. I insisted. Bhuvi made his Ranji…

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 18, 2026

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's India career

Bhuvneshwar Kumar began his India career in 2012 and made a name for himself with his swing bowling and control. He was India’s trusted bowler across formats. His last appearance for India came in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. India had lost the semifinal by 10 wickets against England and so had the seamer as well.

Overall, Bhuvneshwar has had a solid career. He has played 229 matches for India and taken 294 wickets, with his best performance being 6 wickets for 82 runs. He has taken 90 wickets in 87 T20I matches for the country. Recently, Bhuvneshwar achieved a big milestone by becoming only the second bowler to cross 200 wickets in IPL history.