A day before the much-anticipated IPL 2025 mega auction, veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has etched his name into the history books. Playing for Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Saturday, November 23, Bhuvi surpassed Jasprit Bumrah to become the first Indian fast bowler to claim 300 wickets in T20 cricket.
The landmark moment came during UP’s clash against Delhi when Bhuvi dismissed his first batter of the match, achieving the milestone in 287 T20 matches. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah, with 295 wickets in 233 matches, sits second on the list.
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s T20 Records
Bhuvneshwar’s achievement places him among the elites in Indian cricket:
- Fourth Leading Indian Wicket-Taker in T20s:
- Yuzvendra Chahal: 354 wickets
- Piyush Chawla: 314 wickets
- Ravichandran Ashwin: 310 wickets
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 300 wickets
Known for his lethal swing and pinpoint accuracy, Bhuvi was once a mainstay in India’s bowling lineup across all formats. He also held the title of India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is for an extended period before slipping out of contention in recent years.
A Chance for Redemption in IPL 2025?
Despite his historical achievements, Bhuvneshwar has faced challenges in recent times. Since India’s early exit from the T20 World Cup 2022, the veteran pacer has not featured in any white-ball games for the national team. However, he has remained a key figure in the IPL, representing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for a decade.
After a lackluster IPL 2024 season, SRH released Bhuvneshwar ahead of the mega auction. The 33-year-old has set his base price at ₹2 crore, and it remains to be seen whether SRH will bid to bring him back. Notably, SRH cannot use the Right to Match (RTM) card on Bhuvi, as IPL 2025 rules dictate RTMs can only be used for uncapped players.
What Lies Ahead?
Bhuvneshwar’s recent form in the domestic circuit, combined with his incredible milestone, will undoubtedly catch the attention of IPL franchises. Teams looking for an experienced campaigner with a proven track record in both powerplay and death overs may see him as a valuable asset.
With IPL 2025 promising new opportunities, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s resurgence could be one of the most inspiring stories of the season.