Bhuvneshwar Kumar produced a match-winning all-round performance as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) edged past Mumbai Indians (MI) in a thrilling last-ball finish to go top of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) points table on Sunday.

Bhuvneshwar starred with the ball, taking four crucial wickets, before delivering a decisive blow with the bat under immense pressure. With RCB needing 9 runs from the final 3 deliveries, the experienced seamer smashed a six over point off Raj Angad Bawa to swing the game in Bengaluru’s favour and seal a dramatic two-wicket victory.

After receiving the Player of the Match award, Bhuvneshwar admitted that the six was the standout moment of the evening despite his excellent bowling spell.

“That's six for sure, because I’ve bowled many times. I’ve taken a few wickets before as well. But yeah, six is the thing I’ve enjoyed the most," said Kumar.

The 36-year-old continued his outstanding season with figures of 4/23, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. With 21 wickets so far, Bhuvneshwar currently leads the Purple Cap race and has now recorded his fourth IPL season with 20 or more wickets.

Speaking about his longevity and consistency, the fast bowler credited discipline over fleeting motivation.

“Honestly, motivation is a very overrated word for me. You read a quote, you see a video, you get motivated for a few minutes, and then it fades away very quickly. But the thing which keeps me going is the discipline, and with that, yes, we have physios and trainers with the team, but I’ve got a physio and trainer back at home. They work hard with me as well. They help me to keep in shape. So I think credit goes to them as well."
RCB captain Rajat Patidar also lauded Krunal Pandya for his match-defining 73 off 46 balls.

“I think it’s normal now, but it was a very tight match, overall I think, great game and especially KP (Krunal Pandya). I think he’s the man who’s done it for the team."

Patidar further highlighted Bhuvneshwar’s mastery with the ball on a challenging surface.
“I think the way he (Bhuvneshwar) controlled the ball, his control over the ball, I think, is super. And it’s been difficult on a wicket that was two-paced and had variable bounce. I think it’s very difficult to play him."