Ahmedabad: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar (PTI Photo)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar‘s dream IPL 2026 campaign reached another milestone on Sunday as the veteran pacer equalled a long-standing record during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title clash against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.The RCB seamer claimed his 17th wicket in the powerplay this season when he dismissed Sai Sudharsan in the fourth over of the IPL 2026 final. With that breakthrough, Bhuvneshwar drew level with Mohammed Shami for the most wickets taken by an Indian bowler in overs 1-6 during a single IPL edition.Shami had set the benchmark while playing for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023, picking up 17 powerplay wickets. Three years later, Bhuvneshwar matched the feat on the biggest stage of all.The wicket itself was a crucial one. Gujarat Titans desperately needed their prolific opening pair of Shubman Gill and Sudharsan to provide another strong start after both batters crossed the 700-run mark during the season. However, RCB’s experienced new-ball attack had other ideas.Josh Hazlewood struck first to remove Gill for 10, leaving the Titans under pressure. Bhuvneshwar then produced a perfectly executed short-ball plan against Sudharsan. The left-hander attempted a pull shot but failed to get on top of the bounce, with wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma completing the catch after running forward.The dismissal reduced GT to 45 for 2 in the powerplay and deepened their troubles on a surface that offered little freedom for strokeplay.Bhuvneshwar’s achievement highlights his immense value to RCB this season. While much of the spotlight has fallen on the team’s explosive batting unit, the veteran fast bowler has consistently delivered early breakthroughs and set the tone with the new ball.His success has also put him firmly in the Purple Cap race. The wicket of Sudharsan took his season tally to 28 wickets, drawing him level with Kagiso Rabada at the top of the wicket-taking charts.

Most wickets in the powerplay in an IPL season

The record may have been shared, but the timing made it special. On the night of the IPL final, with RCB chasing a second consecutive title, Bhuvneshwar once again delivered the early breakthrough that has become his trademark throughout IPL 2026.