IPL 2025: Why is Bhuvneshwar Kumar not in Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing XI for KKR vs RCB?
IPL 2025: Why is Bhuvneshwar Kumar not in Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing XI for KKR vs RCB?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar missed the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday.
While that raised a few eyebrows, it was later known that the 35-year-old had picked up an injury. “We go with 2 spinners and 3 pacers. Salt, Liam, Tim, and Hazlewood fill the overseas quota! Unfortunately, Bhuvi misses out due to a minor injury. He’ll be back soon,” the Rajat Patidar-led franchise posted on X moments after the toss.
Earlier, Patidar, after opting to bowl post the flip of the coin, said, “We have decided to bowl first; the pitch looks hard. Amazing to lead RCB and great opportunity to learn from the great players. We have done proper preparations for the last 10-15 days.”
In Bhuvneshwar’s absence, RCB went with Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Yash Dayal as its pace options.
Bhuvneshwar returned to the Bengaluru franchise after 15 years after his services were acquired for ₹10.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction.
