Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar continues to script history in IPL 2026. During the IPL final against Gujarat Titans on Sunday (May 31), the veteran seamer equalled Mohammed Shami’s record for the most wickets taken by an Indian bowler in the powerplay in a single IPL season.
Bhuvneshwar reached the milestone by dismissing Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan on the fourth ball of the fourth over. The wicket was his 17th powerplay scalp of the season, matching the record set by Shami while representing Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023.
The overall record for the most wickets taken in the powerplay in a single IPL edition is held by South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, who has claimed 19 wickets in the first six overs during IPL 2026.
Most Wickets in the Powerplay in an IPL Season
- Kagiso Rabada (IPL 2026) – 19
- Mohammed Shami (IPL 2023) – 17
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (IPL 2026) – 17
Sudharsan’s dismissal also helped Bhuvneshwar strengthen his position in the Purple Cap race. The RCB pacer now has 27 wickets in IPL 2026, moving within touching distance of Rabada, who currently leads the charts with 28 wickets.
A single wicket in the remainder of the final would see Bhuvneshwar draw level with Rabada, while two more wickets could hand him the Purple Cap outright.
If he finishes as the leading wicket-taker of IPL 2026, Bhuvneshwar will become the first bowler in IPL history to win the Purple Cap on three occasions.
The swing specialist previously won the award in 2016 and 2017 while representing Sunrisers Hyderabad. He picked up 23 wickets in 2016 and followed it up with 26 wickets in 2017. This season, he has already surpassed the latter tally, underlining yet another remarkable campaign in the tournament.
Most Wickets by Bhuvneshwar Kumar in an IPL Season
- IPL 2026 – 27* wickets
- IPL 2017 – 26 wickets
- IPL 2016 – 23 wickets
With records tumbling and the Purple Cap still within reach, Bhuvneshwar has once again proven why he remains one of the most effective Indian bowlers in IPL history.
