Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Bowling Masterclass Limits Mumbai Indians to 166 in IPL Clash

In an exciting IPL 2026 match, Bhuvneshwar Kumar's four-wicket haul was instrumental in limiting Mumbai Indians to 166 runs. His early breakthroughs set the tone for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who now need 167 runs to secure a win. Despite a strong partnership between Naman Dhir and Tilak Varma, MI struggled against RCB's bowling attack. Read on for a detailed recap of the match highlights and key performances.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 02:03 IST

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Shines in IPL Match Against Mumbai Indians

Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 10: In a thrilling encounter at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Bhuvneshwar Kumar's exceptional four-wicket performance played a pivotal role in helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) restrict Mumbai Indians (MI) to a total of 166 runs for 7 wickets in their IPL 2026 match.

Bhuvneshwar's impressive bowling figures of 4 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs included a devastating start where he claimed three wickets in quick succession, later returning to dismiss Tilak Varma, a key player for MI. Despite his outstanding efforts, MI's Naman Dhir and Tilak managed to guide their team to a competitive score of 166/7.

The match commenced with Bhuvneshwar making an immediate impact, taking out MI's opener Ryan Rickelton for just 2 runs in the first over. Although Rohit Sharma attempted to regain momentum by hitting Josh Hazlewood for 18 runs in the second over, Bhuvneshwar quickly silenced the MI dugout.

In a remarkable third over, he dismissed Rohit (22 off 10) with a catch from Jitesh Sharma and followed it up by sending Suryakumar Yadav back to the pavilion for a golden duck. At that point, MI found themselves in a precarious position at 28/3.

However, Naman and Tilak steadied the innings, forming a crucial partnership of 82 runs that lifted MI from 28/3 to 102/3 by the 12th over.

Just when MI seemed poised for a strong finish, RCB's Rasikh Salam Dar (1/42 in 4 overs) struck by dismissing Naman (47 off 32) in the 13th over, breaking a partnership that had threatened to turn the tide in MI's favor.

Romario Shepherd (1/18 in 3 overs) soon followed up with another vital wicket, taking out Will Jacks (10) and leaving MI at 136/5 after 16 overs.

Tilak reached his fifty off 37 balls in the 17th over, with MI's score at 149/5. However, Bhuvneshwar returned to claim Tilak's wicket in the 18th over, reducing MI to 155/6.

Hazlewood (1/43 in 4 overs) delivered an excellent penultimate over, dismissing RCB's Raj Bawa (16) while conceding only six runs.

In the final over, Rasikh Salam Dar kept MI's Corbin Bosch and Deepak Chahar in check, allowing just five runs and ensuring MI finished at 166/7 in their 20 overs.

RCB, coming off two consecutive losses, now requires 167 runs to secure a victory and enhance their chances of reaching the playoffs.