Bhuvneshwar Kumar Dominates with Four Wickets, Retains Purple Cap in IPL 2026

Bhuvneshwar Kumar showcased his exceptional bowling skills by taking four wickets for RCB in their IPL 2026 match against MI, retaining the Purple Cap with 21 wickets this season. Despite his efforts, MI managed to post a competitive total of 166 runs, led by Tilak Varma's fifty. RCB now needs 167 runs to secure a win and improve their playoff chances. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the match highlights.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 10, 2026, 23:13 IST

Bhuvneshwar's Stellar Performance

In a remarkable display of bowling, Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed four wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during their IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Raipur on Sunday. The 36-year-old fast bowler currently leads the wicket-taking charts with a total of 21 wickets, securing the coveted Purple Cap for the season. This marks the fourth occasion he has achieved over 20 wickets in an IPL season.

Previously, Kumar has been awarded the Purple Cap twice, first in 2016 and again in 2017. He has excelled in the powerplay, taking 12 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.91. In this match, he dismissed notable players including Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma, while allowing just 23 runs across his four overs.

This season, he has recorded a three-wicket haul six times, a feat only matched by Harshal Patel, who accomplished this in the 2021 season.

Tilak's Contribution to MI's Total

Despite Bhuvneshwar's exceptional bowling, MI's Naman Dhir and Tilak Varma guided their team to a commendable score of 166/7 after batting first at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.

Tilak reached his half-century off 37 balls in the 17th over, with MI's score at 149/5. However, Bhuvneshwar struck again in the 18th over, dismissing Tilak and bringing MI down to 155/6.

Hazlewood contributed significantly with figures of 1/43 in 4 overs, taking a crucial wicket of RCB's Raj Bawa (16) in a tight penultimate over, conceding only six runs. Rasikh Salam Dar bowled the final over, allowing just five runs, thereby restricting MI to 166/7 in their 20 overs.

RCB, having faced two consecutive losses prior to this match, now requires 167 runs to secure a victory and enhance their chances of reaching the playoffs.