NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a dramatic two-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in a last-ball thriller during IPL 2026, with veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar emerging as the hero of the night. The 36-year-old first impressed with the ball by claiming four key wickets, and then stunned everyone by smashing a crucial six in the tense final moments of the chase.
Bhuvneshwar's Heroics with the Bat
RCB needed nine runs from the last three deliveries when Bhuvneshwar launched Raj Angad Bawa over point for a six, completely shifting the momentum in Bengaluru's favor. This was a rare feat, as his last IPL six came back in 2016 against Rising Pune Supergiants. After receiving the Player of the Match award, Bhuvneshwar admitted that the six meant more to him than his wickets. "That six for sure, because I've bowled many times. I've taken a few wickets before as well. But yeah, six is the thing I've enjoyed the most," he said.
Discipline Over Motivation
Bhuvneshwar also spoke honestly about what keeps him performing consistently at the top level. "Honestly, motivation is a very overrated word for me... But the thing which keeps me going is the discipline," he remarked, while thanking his personal trainers and physios for helping him stay fit.
Krunal Pandya's Crucial Knock
Krunal Pandya played a significant role in the win with a fighting 73 off 46 balls on a difficult pitch. RCB captain Rajat Patidar praised both players after the match. "I think... especially KP (Krunal Pandya). I think he's the man who's done it for the team," Patidar said. Talking about Bhuvneshwar's bowling, Patidar added, "I think the way he controlled the ball... it's very difficult to play him."
The victory propelled RCB to the top of the IPL standings, while Mumbai Indians remained near the bottom of the table. Stay updated with the latest IPL Live Score, IPL news on Times of India. Follow the IPL Schedule, check the IPL Points Table, and track the race for the IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple Cap.
