Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar etched his name in the history books during the match against Lucknow Super Giants by becoming the first fast bowler to complete 200 appearances in the Indian Premier League. This landmark adds another significant achievement to his illustrious T20 career.
Another milestone in a stellar career
Earlier this season, Bhuvneshwar had already become the first pacer and only the second player after Yuzvendra Chahal to take 200 wickets in the IPL. The veteran seamer has been in outstanding form in IPL 2026, currently leading the Purple Cap standings with 17 wickets in nine matches.
Speaking about the milestone, Bhuvneshwar expressed his pride at reaching 200 IPL appearances. "It is indeed special. Any milestone is, really, and playing 200 matches is, in itself, a massive achievement. So, naturally, I am feeling very happy," he said.
He also noted that achieving the feat with a successful franchise made it even more satisfying. "I think the best part is that I am achieving this with a team that won the trophy last year and is playing exceptionally well this season; that makes it even better," he added.
Memorable moments and challenges
Reflecting on his long IPL journey, the swing bowler picked his first-ever IPL wicket as the most memorable moment of his career. "It is very difficult to pick just one, but if I absolutely had to name something special, I would choose my debut wicket. My journey began so many years ago, and that very first wicket is always something special," he said.
Bhuvneshwar also spoke about the challenges of surviving as a fast bowler in modern T20 cricket, especially given the increasingly aggressive approach of batters during the Powerplay. "It has certainly been demanding, especially considering the way the format itself has evolved. Given the way batsmen are changing and the aggressive approach they are adopting during the Powerplay, it is always a demanding challenge to constantly improve one's game," he explained.
However, the veteran credited his success to sticking to the basics throughout his career. "I believe what has worked for me personally is the consistent focus on strengthening my basics," he added.
Elite list of 200-match players
With this achievement, Bhuvneshwar Kumar entered an elite group of cricketers who have featured in 200 or more IPL matches. He became only the 12th player overall to reach the landmark. The list includes:
- MS Dhoni (2008–present) – 278 matches
- Rohit Sharma (2008–present) – 277 matches
- Virat Kohli (2008–present) – 276 matches
- Ravindra Jadeja (2008–present) – 264 matches
- Dinesh Karthik (2008–2024) – 257 matches
- Shikhar Dhawan (2008–2024) – 222 matches
- Ravichandran Ashwin (2009–2025) – 221 matches
- Ajinkya Rahane (2008–present) – 207 matches
- Suresh Raina (2008–2021) – 205 matches
- Robin Uthappa (2008–2022) – 205 matches
- Ambati Rayudu (2010–2023) – 204 matches
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2011–present) – 200 matches
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