Bhuvneshwar Kumar becomes second Indian to 350 T20 wickets, leads IPL 2026 Purple Cap race

Key facts

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar took his 350th T20 wicket on April 30, 2026, during IPL Match 42 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
• He is the second Indian bowler to reach 350 T20 wickets, behind Yuzvendra Chahal (391).
• Only Jasprit Bumrah (347) among Indians has more than 340 T20 wickets.
• Bhuvneshwar has 352 wickets in 325 T20 matches at an average of 24.51.
• He leads the IPL 2026 Purple Cap race with 17 wickets from 9 matches at an average of 15.52.
• He is the only Indian pacer with multiple T20I five-wicket hauls (2).
• Bhuvneshwar has 90 T20I wickets in 87 matches for India at an average of 23.10.
• He has 215 IPL wickets in 199 matches, second only to Chahal (228).

Milestone at the Narendra Modi Stadium

Bhuvneshwar Kumar entered the record books on Wednesday, April 30, by becoming the first Indian fast bowler to take 350 wickets in T20 cricket. The 34-year-old achieved the feat during Match 42 of IPL 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Titans. He dismissed Gujarat opener Sai Sudharsan on the sixth ball of his second over to reach the landmark. Bhuvneshwar ended the match with figures of 3 for 28 from four overs, his 20th three-wicket haul in the IPL, placing him second among pacers in that category behind Jasprit Bumrah (25).

A career built on precision and swing

Bhuvneshwar made his India debut in December 2012 against Pakistan and has since become one of the most astute bowlers in the format. Across 87 T20Is for India, he has taken 90 wickets at an average of 23.10, and he is the only Indian pacer with multiple five-wicket hauls in T20Is (2). In the IPL, he has played for Pune Warriors India, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and now Royal Challengers Bengaluru, accumulating 215 wickets in 199 matches at an average under 27. He also has 44 wickets in 36 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches for his domestic side, Uttar Pradesh.

Dominating the IPL 2026 season

Bhuvneshwar currently leads the Purple Cap race in IPL 2026 with 17 wickets from nine matches at an average of 15.52 and an economy rate of 7.54. His spell against Gujarat Titans included the key wickets of Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (43), and Jos Buttler, helping RCB restrict the opposition. Earlier this month, he became the only pacer to complete 200 wickets in the IPL. He is now second on the all-time IPL wicket list behind Yuzvendra Chahal (228).

Among the elite in T20 cricket

Bhuvneshwar is only behind Chahal in T20 wickets among Indians; Chahal tops the tally with 391. Jasprit Bumrah is the only other Indian bowler with 340-plus T20 wickets (347). Bhuvneshwar now owns 352 wickets in 325 T20 matches across 324 innings, with an average of 24.51 and five five-wicket hauls and five four-wicket hauls. He is also one of seven Indian bowlers with 90 or more T20I wickets. His consistency in the death overs and ability to dismantle top orders have made him a mainstay for every team he has represented.

One wicket away from another record

If Bhuvneshwar takes one more wicket in the ongoing match against Gujarat Titans, he will become the first bowler in the world to take 200 IPL wickets in India. As of now, he has 199 IPL wickets in 184 matches on home soil. Chahal follows with 186 wickets in 154 IPL matches in India. The Meerut-born pacer's journey from a swing bowler to a T20 legend has been marked by relentless improvement and adaptability. His ability to evolve with the demands of the format keeps him at the forefront of the game.

What lies ahead for the veteran pacer

With the IPL 2026 season still underway, Bhuvneshwar's form will be crucial for RCB's playoff push. His leadership of the fast-bowling attack has been instrumental in the team's campaign. Beyond the IPL, his experience will be valuable for India's T20 setup as the team builds towards future international tournaments. At 34, Bhuvneshwar shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to set benchmarks for pace bowling in the shortest format.

The bottom line

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the first Indian fast bowler to reach 350 T20 wickets, second overall among Indians behind Yuzvendra Chahal.
• He leads the IPL 2026 Purple Cap race with 17 wickets in nine matches at an average of 15.52.
• He has 215 IPL wickets in 199 matches, second only to Chahal, and 90 T20I wickets for India.
• Bhuvneshwar is one wicket away from becoming the first bowler to take 200 IPL wickets in India.
• His 20 three-wicket hauls in the IPL place him second among pacers, behind Jasprit Bumrah.