Bhuvneshwar Kumar To RCB For 10.75 Crore: Overpriced Or Justified?

Anurag Dasgupta

Bhuvneshar joins RCB [Source: @BhuviOfficial/X.Com] Bhuvneshar joins RCB [Source: @BhuviOfficial/X.Com]

It is the homecoming for Bhuvneshwar Kumar as he returns back to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for a price of 10.75 crore. Interestingly, Bhuvi was given a contract in 2009, but he went two seasons without playing for them.

With the departure of Mohammed Siraj, RCB needed an experienced Indian pacer in the side, and they splashed out the cash to bring Bhuvneshwar Kumar back in the side after almost 15 years.

Like every coin has two sides to it, having Bhuvneshwar Kumar also comes up with its pros and cons. Hence, we analyse whether he is the right fit for RCB or not.

Pros of having Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the team

  • Bhuvneshwar is an experienced bowler both at the international and IPL level. He would bring in his wealth of experience in the RCB team and can nurture the likes of Yash Dayal and Rasikh Salam
  • Excellent death bowler. Bhuvneshwar is known for his skills in the death bowling and with the Chinnaswamy Stadium being small, Bhuvneshwar's wily skills will come into play, especially in death overs.

Cons of having Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the team

  • Slightly overpriced: At 10.75 crore, RCB perhaps spent a bit too much on the Indian pacer. A bid in the region of 6-7 crore would have been ideal for a 34-year-old.
  • Injury prone. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has a history of long term injuries and thus investing in an injury prone 34-year-old bowler looks to be a gamble which RCB are willing to take.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's IPL career

It wasn't until the 2011 season that Bhuvi made his IPL debut. For the last 13 years, the Indian speedster has mesmerised fans with his brilliant bowling. The 2016 and 2017 season were his best seasons in the league as he won the Purple Cap back-to-back.

In 176 matches, Bhuvneshwar has picked up 181 wickets, at an average of 27.73. Last season, he scalped 11 wickets in 16 matches for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Conclusion

Despite the high price, Bhuvneshwar has the experience in the league and will be a useful commodity in the death overs. Hence, it is a good buy for the Royal Challengers.