Dinesh Karthik's bold prediction about Bhuvneshwar Kumar has aged like fine wine. The former India wicketkeeper-batter's glowing assessment of the veteran pacer has resurfaced at the perfect moment—right after Kumar delivered a match-winning masterclass for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026.
Kumar's stunning figures of 4/23 dismantled Mumbai's star-studded top order, sending Ryan Rickelton, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav back to the pavilion in a devastating opening spell. On a pitch that offered movement and uneven bounce, the 36-year-old seamer looked every bit the world-class operator Karthik described.
But Kumar wasn't done there. In a dramatic last-ball thriller in Raipur, he stepped up with the bat too, smashing a crucial six in the final over to help RCB seal a two-wicket victory. It was the kind of all-round performance that has fans and experts alike calling for his return to India's T20I setup.
The viral clip, originally shared by RCB ahead of Kumar's historic 200th IPL appearance, features Karthik and head coach Andy Flower discussing the veteran's greatness. "Just for the record, I am convinced that he is the best bowler India has after Bumrah even today. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the best T20 bowler," Karthik says in the video.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has joined the chorus, using the hashtag "BringBackBhuvi" during a recent broadcast on JioStar. "I'd love to see him being considered for the T20I side," Ashwin said.
Kumar's IPL 2026 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. He currently leads the Purple Cap race with 21 wickets in 11 matches, and his economy rate is the best among the top wicket-takers this season. Earlier this week, he became the first fast bowler in IPL history to feature in 200 matches—a testament to his longevity and consistency.
For cricket fans and apparel enthusiasts alike, Kumar's resurgence is a reminder that class is permanent. Whether you're rocking his jersey or just admiring his craft, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is proving that age is just a number when skill meets determination.