‘He’s exactly what RCB needs’: Robin Uthappa praises Bhuvneshwar Kumar as Pacer bring Royal Challengers Bengaluru back

Last update:November 25, 2024, 7:49 p.m. IST

Bhuvneshwar will return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium with RCB, where he played for the franchise during the 2009 and 2010 campaigns. Uthappa felt the addition of the 34-year-old Indian speedy to the RCB squad was a brilliant buy for the team always looking…Learn more

Bhuvneshwar Kumar. (X)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Monday picked up veteran Indian bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a price of Rs 10.75 Crore during the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Bhuvneshwar will return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium with RCB, where he played for the franchise during the 2009 and 2010 campaigns.

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa felt that the addition of the 34-year-old Indian quick to the RCB squad was a brilliant buy for the team which is still looking to clinch its maiden title.

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“Great purchase! I think with Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvi at the top makes the bowling order really good,” said the former RCB opener.

“For RCB and in these conditions, he is someone who has had a lot of success,” he added.

Uthappa then revealed an anecdote highlighting Bhuvneshwar’s brilliance with the ball as he reflected on the day Windies maverick Chris Gayle smashed 175 for RCB against Pune Warriors. Uthappa recalls how Bhuveshwar managed to remain economical even on a day when the Windies left-hander went ballistic.

“I remember talking about it in the match where Chris Gayle scored 175 against us when I was playing for Pune Warriors. Bhuvi was the only bowler that day who made 24 runs in his four overs while everyone else made a lot,” Uthappa said.

“He had a lot of success there and he is exactly what RCB needs,” the 39-year-old said.

“So the ₹10.75 crore seems to be looking very good, and now they just need to get their backup player,” he added.

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RCB brought in Australian quick Hazlewood for Rs 12.5 Crore rupees in another meeting at the Chinnaswamy. The duo of Hazlewood and Bhuneshwar could prove lethal for the Bengaluru-based team in the upcoming edition of the cash-rich franchise league.