Former India batter Mohammed Kaif has praised Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar after his match-winning spell against Delhi Capitals, saying the veteran seamer is still operating at a level that can trouble the very best batters in IPL 2026. Kaif also felt that Bhuvneshwar’s form is good enough to spark discussion about a possible India comeback.

Bhuvneshwar was at his very best in RCB’s defence of 175, striking early in the powerplay and reducing DC to 18/3 with a devastating new-ball burst. He finished with excellent figures of 3/26 in four overs, once again proving how effective he can be when conditions offer even the slightest movement.

Across the season, the experienced fast bowler has been one of RCB’s most reliable performers, picking up 10 wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 8.33. The 36-year-old also brought up a major personal milestone this season by becoming the first pacer, and only the second bowler overall, to reach 200 wickets in the IPL, joining Yuzvendra Chahal in that elite club.

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It underlined just how long he has remained relevant in a format that often rewards younger, harder-hitting bowlers. Mohammad Kaif, who has watched Bhuvneshwar’s rise from close quarters since his early Uttar Pradesh days, shared an emotional reflection on X. He recalled spotting the bowler’s special control and swing when he was just 17 and captaining Uttar Pradesh at the time.

There are moments when one gets emotional. Watching Bhuvi bowl so beautifully today brought back memories of the days when he was just 17. I was the UP captain, and was impressed by his control and swing. But selectors said he was too young. I insisted. Bhuvi made his Ranji…

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 18, 2026

Mohammad Kaif said the selectors initially felt Bhuvneshwar was too young, but he pushed for him to be included. He went on to make his Ranji debut and famously dismissed Sachin Tendulkar for a duck in that final, a moment that announced his arrival in style.

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Bhuvneshwar’s record for India also speaks for itself. Since making his international debut in 2012, he has played 229 matches across formats and taken 294 wickets. In T20 Internationals alone, he has 90 wickets in 87 matches and remains one of India’s most skilled swing bowlers. His last appearance for India came in the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal against England, but if Kaif is to be believed, the door may not be fully closed just yet.