Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru turned into a hugely successful chapter, but the veteran fast bowler has revealed that he initially found the franchise’s decision to buy him surprising. RCB spent Rs 10.75 crore on Bhuvneshwar during the IPL 2025 mega auction, with the pacer eventually becoming a key part of the side that won consecutive titles in 2025 and 2026. His 2026 campaign was particularly productive, with 28 wickets in the season.
Bhuvneshwar was not sitting at home watching the auction when his name went under the hammer. He was captaining Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and his attention was split between the match and developments in the auction room.
Bhuvneshwar only learned that RCB had secured his services after he had already left to focus on the match. The move reunited Bhuvneshwar with RCB, where he had begun his IPL journey. His first stint was brief, with just one appearance for the franchise in the Champions League T20.
Because of their budget and team dynamics, sRH, however, could not complete a deal. SRH wanted me, but due to dynamics and budget, they could not get me,” Bhuvneshwar revealed, in an interview with Jatin Sapru. Because two other teams were bidding earlier, i was a bit surprised,.
Despite the franchise carrying the weight of a 17 year wait before its first IPL title, Bhuvneshwar said the environment inside the team was not dominated by pressure.
He had already been told by former Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Daniel Vettori that there was interest in his services. “When the auction happened on the first day, I was told by (SRH coach) Daniel Vettori that a few teams were waiting for me. “Someone came in after a few overs and told me that RCB had picked me. But I got messages from the team, and I was happy to be part of a team with such a big fanbase,” he said.
