Bhuvneshwar credits Kohli's experience for RCB's bowling masterclass vs DC
Synopsis
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 3 for 5 and Josh Hazlewood's 4 for 12 reduced Delhi Capitals to 75—the IPL's lowest total this season—but the real story was the off-field influence of Virat Kohli. Despite no captaincy role, Kohli's experience and communication continue to shape RCB's tactical approach, a reminder that leadership extends far beyond the armband.
Key Takeaways
Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 3 for 5 in RCB's 9-wicket win over Delhi Capitals on 28 April .
Josh Hazlewood claimed 4 for 12 as DC were skittled for 75 —the season's lowest total.
Virat Kohli reached 9,000 IPL runs during the power play, taking a single off Axar Patel .
Bhuvneshwar credited Kohli's off-field guidance and communication for shaping RCB's strategic approach.
RCB consolidated top spot with 13 points from seven matches ; face Gujarat Titans on 30 April .
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) new-ball pacer, has credited Virat Kohli's off-field guidance and communication as a key factor in RCB's dominant 9-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Stadium on 28 April. Despite holding no formal leadership role, Kohli's inputs on strategy and decision-making continue to shape the team's approach, Bhuvneshwar said.
Bhuvneshwar's standout performance
Bhuvneshwar took 3 for 5 in RCB's bowling-dominant display, complementing Josh Hazlewood's 4 for 12 to skittle Delhi Capitals for just 75—the season's lowest total. RCB chased down the target in 39.3 overs, securing a commanding win that consolidated their position at the top of the points table.
The Kohli factor
In a video released by the IPL, Bhuvneshwar underlined how Kohli's vast experience translates into tangible value within the squad. "I think, irrespective of what he has achieved, it's very important how he communicates, how he talks. I think his experience with batting, if he says something, it helps a lot," Bhuvneshwar said. He added that having a seasoned campaigner of Kohli's calibre naturally elevates the team environment and on-field tactical awareness.
Kohli reaches 9,000-run milestone
The match also saw Kohli complete 9,000 runs in IPL history—a watershed moment for the franchise stalwart. He achieved the milestone during the power play, taking a single off Axar Patel on the final ball of the powerplay as RCB chased 76. Kohli had needed just 11 runs entering the match to reach the landmark.
A team-first perspective
Bhuvneshwar also reflected on how individual brilliance must serve collective success. "We generally look at performances from the end result, but I don't look at it like that because it's a team game," he noted. He stressed that complementary performances—where one bowler creates pressure while another capitalises—matter more than standalone statistics. "If you are bowling well and someone is taking a wicket from the other end, that's what matters," he said.
What's next for RCB
RCB now sit atop the standings with 13 points from seven matches. They face Gujarat Titans (GT) on 30 April, seeking to extend their winning momentum.
Point of View
000-run milestone is a statistical monument, but Bhuvneshwar's comments point to something subtler and perhaps more valuable: influence without authority. In a franchise cricket ecosystem where captaincy is often the only recognized form of leadership, Kohli's role as a strategic sounding board—unshackled by the burden of match-day decisions—may be precisely where his experience carries the most weight. RCB's bowling dominance on the day was collective, but the narrative that emerges is one of quiet mentorship.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Bhuvneshwar Kumar's role in RCB's victory over Delhi Capitals?
Bhuvneshwar took 3 for 5, combining with Josh Hazlewood (4 for 12) to bowl out Delhi Capitals for 75—the IPL's lowest total of the season. RCB then chased down the target in 39.3 overs for a dominant 9-wicket win.
How did Virat Kohli reach 9,000 IPL runs?
Kohli completed the landmark during the power play on 28 April, taking a single off Axar Patel on the final ball of the powerplay. He had needed just 11 runs entering the match to reach the milestone.
What did Bhuvneshwar say about Kohli's influence on the team?
Bhuvneshwar credited Kohli's experience and communication as significant factors in RCB's planning and on-field decision-making, despite Kohli not holding a formal leadership role. He said Kohli's inputs help the team environment and strategic approach.
Where do RCB stand in the IPL points table after this win?
RCB consolidated top spot with 13 points from seven matches following the 9-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals. They next face Gujarat Titans on 30 April.
