Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar became the first pacer to play 200 Indian Premier League games, during an IPL 2026 match against Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday.
Bhuvneshwar is also the 12th player overall to reach the 200-game milestone in the tournament.
Most matches in IPL
Mahendra Singh Dhoni: 278 matches (2008-2025)
Rohit Sharma: 277 matches (2008-2026)
Virat Kohli: 276 matches (2008-2026)
Ravindrasinh Jadeja: 264 matches (2008-2026)
Dinesh Karthik: 257 matches (2008-2024)
Shikhar Dhawan: 222 matches (2008-2024)
Ravichandran Ashwin: 221 matches (2009-2025)
Ajinkya Rahane: 207 matches (2008-2026)
Suresh Raina: 205 matches (2008-2021)
Robin Uthappa: 205 matches (2008-2022)
Ambati Rayudu: 204 matches (2010-2023)
Bhuvaneshwar Kumar: 200 matches (2011-2026)*
The 36-year-old quick has represented three franchises in the tournament: Pune Warriors India, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
From 199 IPL games so far, he has claimed 215 wickets and has maintained an impressive economy rate of 7.68.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar in IPL
- Pune Warriors India (2011–2013): 24 Wickets (26 Matches)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (2014–2024): 146 Wickets (129 Matches)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2025–2026): 45 Wickets (44 Matches)
Published on May 07, 2026