Bhuvneshwar Kumar IPL Stats, Price, Runs, Age, Century, Debut, Team
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of the greatest new-ball bowlers in IPL history. The swing specialist from Meerut is the only bowler ever to win the Purple Cap in back-to-back seasons, claiming the award in both 2016 and 2017 while leading Sunrisers Hyderabad to the 2016 title.
After more than a decade as the face of SRH’s bowling attack, he returned to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025 for 10.75 crore and played a key role in their maiden IPL title triumph. His control with the new ball and calm death bowling remain elite even deep into his career.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar IPL Career Overview
Bhuvneshwar Kumar began his IPL journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2009 before making his playing debut for Pune Warriors India in 2011. He moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014 and became the backbone of their attack for eleven seasons.
His peak came in 2016 and 2017. In 2016, he took 23 wickets as SRH won their first IPL title, winning the Purple Cap. He defended it in 2017 with 26 wickets at an average of just 14.19, becoming the only bowler in IPL history to win consecutive Purple Caps.
After returning to RCB in 2025, he took 17 wickets in their title-winning campaign and followed it with another outstanding season in 2026. Across his IPL career, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has played over 200 matches and taken 226 wickets at an average of 26.16 and an economy of 7.71, with best figures of 5 for 19.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar IPL Stats Year by Year
| Season | Team | Matches | Wickets | Best | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | Pune Warriors | 4 | 3 | 2/14 | 22.33 | 6.09 |
| 2012 | Pune Warriors | 11 | 8 | 2/9 | 35.12 | 7.20 |
| 2013 | Pune Warriors | 16 | 13 | 3/18 | 28.53 | 6.50 |
| 2014 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 14 | 20 | 4/14 | 17.70 | 6.65 |
| 2015 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 14 | 18 | 3/26 | 22.61 | 7.87 |
| 2016 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 17 | 23 | 4/29 | 21.30 | 7.42 |
| 2017 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 14 | 26 | 5/19 | 14.19 | 7.05 |
| 2018 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 12 | 9 | 3/26 | 39.33 | 7.66 |
| 2019 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 15 | 13 | 2/24 | 35.46 | 7.81 |
| 2020 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 4 | 3 | 2/25 | 33.00 | 6.98 |
| 2021 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 11 | 6 | 1/16 | 55.83 | 7.97 |
| 2022 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 14 | 12 | 3/22 | 31.92 | 7.34 |
| 2023 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 14 | 16 | 5/30 | 26.56 | 8.33 |
| 2024 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 16 | 11 | 3/41 | 48.45 | 9.35 |
| 2025 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 14 | 17 | 3/33 | 28.41 | 9.29 |
| 2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 16 | 28 | 4/23 | 17.89 | 7.95 |
The 2016-2017 peak remains the gold standard for IPL fast bowling: 49 wickets across two seasons at an economy under 7.30. His 2026 renaissance with RCB, with 28 wickets, showed his enduring class.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar IPL Teams and Price History
| Year | Team | Price |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | — |
| 2009-2010 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 6 lakh |
| 2011-2013 | Pune Warriors India | 20 lakh |
| 2014-2017 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 4.25 crore |
| 2018-2021 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 8.50 crore |
| 2022-2024 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 4.20 crore |
| 2025-2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 10.75 crore |
RCB’s 10.75-crore winning bid in the 2025 mega auction made him one of the most expensive Indian pacers ever sold, and he repaid that faith with a title in his first season back.
The Purple Cap Years: 2016 and 2017
No discussion of Bhuvneshwar Kumar is complete without the 2016 and 2017 seasons. In 2016, he was the spearhead of SRH’s title run, taking 23 wickets including crucial strikes in the playoffs. His new-ball swing dismantled top orders all season.
In 2017, he was even better: 26 wickets at 14.19 with an economy of 7.05, including 5 for 19. Winning back-to-back Purple Caps remains a unique achievement in IPL history, unmatched by any other bowler.
Return to RCB and the 2025 Title
After eleven seasons with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Bhuvneshwar Kumar came home to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025. He took 17 wickets in the season as RCB finally ended their long wait for a maiden IPL title, his experience proving invaluable in pressure moments.
His 2026 season was arguably his finest since the Purple Cap years, with 28 wickets at an average under 18, including a spell of powerplay dominance that drew comparisons with his peak.
Bowling Style and Role
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is a right-arm medium-fast bowler whose greatest weapon is swing with the new ball. He moves it both ways at good pace and has one of the best slower balls in the game. His yorker at the death, honed over 200 IPL matches, remains among the most reliable in the league.
He typically bowls two overs in the powerplay and returns at the death. As a batter, he is a handy lower-order hitter with 329 IPL runs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Age, Debut and International Career
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was born on 5 February 1990 in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. He made his IPL playing debut in 2011 for Pune Warriors India.
For India, he has been a white-ball stalwart for over a decade, famous for his swing bowling in England in 2014 and his death bowling in limited-overs cricket. He remains one of India’s most successful T20I bowlers.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar IPL Records and Achievements
– Only bowler to win the Purple Cap in consecutive seasons (2016, 2017)
– IPL winner with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025
– Best IPL figures: 5 for 19 against Kings XI Punjab in 2017
– Second five-wicket haul: 5 for 30 in 2023
– Career IPL numbers: 200+ matches, 226 wickets, average 26.16, economy 7.71
– Among the top five wicket-takers in IPL history
Strengths and Weaknesses
His greatest strength is new-ball swing combined with exceptional control. Few bowlers in IPL history have matched his ability to take powerplay wickets while conceding so little. His calm temperament under pressure is legendary.
His main vulnerability has been pace on flat decks. When the ball does not swing and pitches offer nothing, his speeds in the mid-130s can be attacked, as his expensive 2024 season showed. Injuries have also interrupted his career at key moments.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar IPL Legacy
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s legacy is secure as one of the IPL’s all-time great bowlers. The back-to-back Purple Caps, the 2016 title, the 200-wicket milestone and the fairytale 2025 triumph with RCB form a career few can match. His longevity, from debuting in 2011 to starring in 2026, is a testament to skill and adaptability.
FAQs
How many IPL wickets has Bhuvneshwar Kumar taken?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has taken 226 wickets in over 200 IPL matches at an average of 26.16 and an economy of 7.71.
How many times has Bhuvneshwar Kumar won the Purple Cap?
Twice, in 2016 (23 wickets) and 2017 (26 wickets). He is the only bowler to win it in consecutive seasons.
What are Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s best IPL bowling figures?
His best IPL figures are 5 for 19, taken for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2017.
Which IPL teams has Bhuvneshwar Kumar played for?
He has played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Pune Warriors India and Sunrisers Hyderabad, returning to RCB in 2025.
What is Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s IPL salary?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru bought him for 10.75 crore in the 2025 mega auction and retained him for 2026.
When did Bhuvneshwar Kumar make his IPL debut?
He made his IPL playing debut in 2011 for Pune Warriors India.
Editor
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