Veteran Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar completed 200 matches in the Indian Premier League during the 50th match of IPL 2026 between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium. With this achievement, he became the first fast bowler in IPL history to reach the 200-match mark.
The match was played in Lucknow, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to bowl first. Bhuvneshwar Kumar entered the match as one of the select players with the highest number of appearances in IPL history, reflecting the longevity of his career in the tournament.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar became only the 12th player to play 200 or more IPL matches. He is the first fast bowler to achieve the milestone, which had previously been reached mainly by batters and all-rounders. The record highlights his consistency, fitness and ability to perform over a long period in a competitive tournament like the IPL.
In the match, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was given the responsibility of bowling in the opening overs, where he continued to showcase his swing bowling. His performances in IPL 2026 have also remained notable, with 17 wickets in nine matches this season.
Players with 200 or more IPL matches:
MS Dhoni – 278 matches
Rohit Sharma – 277 matches
Virat Kohli – 277 matches
Ravindra Jadeja – 264 matches
Dinesh Karthik – 257 matches
Shikhar Dhawan – 222 matches
Ravichandran Ashwin – 221 matches
Ajinkya Rahane – 207 matches
Suresh Raina – 205 matches
Robin Uthappa – 205 matches
Ambati Rayudu – 204 matches
Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 200 matches
After completing 200 IPL matches, Bhuvneshwar Kumar said the achievement was a special moment in his career. He stated that playing in the same league for such a long period and contributing consistently was a matter of pride. He also said that achieving the milestone with the team that won the title last season made it even more special for him.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has now joined the group of players who have featured in 200 or more IPL matches. MS Dhoni remains at the top of the list with 278 appearances.
