"Actually Crazy": Virat Kohli Leads Emotional Tribute as Bhuvneshwar Kumar Hits 200 IPL Matches

Bhuvneshwar Kumar will add another milestone to his legendary IPL career by completing 200 matches in the tournament with the upcoming LSG vs RCB match, becoming the first Indian fast bowler to reach the landmark.

Ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's clash, teammates and coaches including Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood and Andy Flower reflected on what makes the veteran pacer one of the greatest bowlers in IPL history.

The tribute video, released as part of RCB Bold Diaries, focused not just on Bhuvneshwar's numbers, but his consistency, game awareness and ability to deliver in pressure situations across formats and conditions for more than a decade.

Virat Kohli calls Bhuvneshwar Kumar one of IPL's greatest bowlers

Kohli described Bhuvneshwar as one of the smartest and most dependable cricketers he has played with, highlighting his longevity as a fast bowler in T20 cricket.

"It's a big feat to play 200 games especially as a fast bowler," Kohli said.

"I know it's T20 cricket but that tells you the longevity and he's played so much cricket over all these years, all kinds of formats and been such a successful bowler."

Kohli went a step further and placed Bhuvneshwar among the greatest bowlers the league has ever seen.

"The thing that stands out for me with Bhuvie has always been his understanding of the game. He's cricket smart and he's probably been in the top three pacers in the IPL ever."

"You look at his economy and the number of wickets he's taken and just the way he goes about it, the number of dot balls every game that he plays in."

The former RCB captain also explained why captains continue to trust Bhuvneshwar in crunch situations.

"He's a guy you can bank on under pressure 100% of the time, which is actually crazy if you think about it over so many years."

Josh Hazlewood praises Bhuvneshwar's swing bowling and calmness

Hazlewood, one of the leading fast bowlers in world cricket himself, called Bhuvneshwar's skill set "second to none."

"I think his skill set's second to none almost. It's swing bowling at its highest level," Hazlewood said.

The Australian pacer praised Bhuvneshwar's ability to assess conditions quickly and communicate with the rest of the bowling group.

"The way he reads the game, I think that's crucial for someone who bowls the first over just about every game."

"I think that communication back to the rest of the bowlers, the rest of the team, just sums it up so quickly."

Hazlewood also pointed to the veteran's influence on younger bowlers in the dressing room.

"He doesn't talk too much, but what he says, everyone's listening. That calmness, whether he's bowling the first over or the last over, younger bowlers see that."

Andy Flower compares Bhuvneshwar to Kohli

RCB head coach Andy Flower described Bhuvneshwar as a "master" of his craft.

"It's an absolute privilege to watch him do his thing," Flower said. "It's a bit like watching Virat bat and watching Bhuvie bowl. They're masters at what they do."

Flower also congratulated the pacer for the way he has carried himself throughout his IPL journey.

"On your 200th, congratulations on the way that you've operated as a man and as a player over all these years."

Bhuvneshwar Kumar recently became first bowler to take 200 IPL wickets in India

The 200-match milestone comes just days after Bhuvneshwar created another IPL record.

During RCB's IPL 2026 clash against Gujarat Titans, Bhuvneshwar became the first bowler to take 200 IPL wickets in India.

He achieved the feat after dismissing Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan at the Narendra Modi Stadium before later removing Jos Buttler as well.

The veteran seamer is also currently among the leading wicket-takers in IPL 2026 and continues to remain a crucial figure in RCB's bowling attack.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's IPL legacy continues to grow

Over the years, Bhuvneshwar has represented Pune Warriors India, Sunrisers Hyderabad and now Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Known for his swing with the new ball, death-over control and calm temperament, he remains one of the few Indian fast bowlers to dominate multiple eras of the IPL.

While T20 cricket has increasingly favoured power-hitters and high-scoring games, Bhuvneshwar's longevity has come through precision, discipline and adaptability - qualities repeatedly highlighted by teammates and coaches during the emotional tribute.