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Bhuvneshwar Kumar had another feather in the cap of his illustrious IPL career on Thursday after he became the first-ever fast bowler to represent in 200 matches.

This historic milestone happened during the IPL 2026 game between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants which took place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.

Bhuvneshwar was picked for the RCB team after RCB skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to bowl first. He also became the first and only fast bowler to pick up over 200 wickets in IPL history.

With his swing bowling, especially in the power play, the 36-year-old has consistently been one of the premier fast bowlers in IPL history.

The bowler expressed that he was feeling delighted because it came while representing a winning RCB side.

Bhuvneshwar said:

"It is indeed special-any milestone is, really-and playing 200 matches is, in itself, a massive achievement. So, naturally, I am feeling very happy. Furthermore, I think the best part is that I am achieving this with a team that won the trophy last year and is playing exceptionally well this season; that makes it even better."

He also recollected the most memorable moment from his IPL career.

He added:

"It is very difficult to pick just one (special moment), but if I absolutely had to name something special, I would choose my debut wicket. My journey began so many years ago, and that very first wicket is always something special."

Bhuvneshwar also expressed his concern over how challenging bowling has become in T20s nowadays due to the ultra-aggressive style of batting.

He said:

"Things are going well right now. It has certainly been demanding, especially considering the way the format itself has evolved... Given the way batsmen are changing and the aggressive approach they are adopting during the Powerplay, it is always a demanding challenge to constantly improve one's game. However, I believe what has worked for me personally is the consistent focus on strengthening my basics."

Also Read | IPL 2026: Mitchell Marsh creates Unique Record with 20-Ball Fifty at Ekana Stadium in RCB vs LSG Clash

In the context of the match, Lucknow had a flying start to proceedings with Mitchell Marsh going berserk at the top of the order.

When the rain intervened LSG were on 95-0 in nine overs and Marsh is on 76 off a mere 32 balls with seven fours and seven sixes, while Arshin Kulkarni is batting on 17.

Bhuvneshwar had a good spell taking 0-14 from two economical overs even with the onslaught of Marsh. His milestone evening did not involve wickets at least early on but his longevity in the IPL over all eras of T20 cricket was on show again.