“ The Biggest Change Is That Batters No Longer Hold Back, Even When The Ball Is Swinging In The Powerplay ”: Bhuvneshwar Kumar
PBKS Vs RR , TATA IPL 2026 Live Today Streaming on JioHotstar
Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced one of the most ruthless performances of the TATA IPL 2026 to hand Delhi Capitals a nine-wicket defeat. Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Google Search AI Mode Match Centre Live’ and Star Sports’ ‘Amul Cricket Live’, RCB fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar spoke about adapting bowling strategies, while JioStar expert Mitchell McClenaghan highlighted Virat Kohli’s consistency, Bhuvneshwar’s performance, and the challenges posed by Josh Hazlewood.
Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Google Search AI Mode Match Centre Live’, RCB pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar explained how his approach varies based on conditions:
“On flat wickets with no assistance, the approach becomes more defensive, not in a negative way, but with the focus on controlling runs and avoiding boundaries, especially against aggressive batters. But when there is some help in the air, the mindset shifts towards being aggressive and looking for wickets. Even if you get a bit of luck with edges or movement, the intent is to keep attacking and create opportunities rather than just containing.”
On how T20 batting has evolved:
“The biggest change is that batters no longer hold back, even when the ball is swinging in the Powerplay. Earlier, there was more respect for conditions, but now the approach is consistently aggressive. That’s where the mindset shift for bowlers becomes important, being defensive isn’t negative, it’s about bowling to a plan and targeting weaknesses. A lot of it comes down to preparation and understanding situations. The planning, even down to small details, plays a big role, and having experienced players like Josh Hazlewood helps, because that communication on the field becomes crucial in adapting to conditions.”
On the fundamentals behind generating swing despite changing conditions:
“While conditions and the ball do play a role, the basics remain the most important, wrist position, alignment, and control over line and length. For me, playing a lot of red-ball cricket has really helped in mastering those aspects. It allows you to repeat your action and maintain consistency. When the ball does swing, it becomes a major advantage for bowlers, and that’s when you look to exploit it as much as possible.”
Speaking on Star Sports’ ‘Amul Cricket Live’, JioStar expert Mitchell McClenaghan lavished praise on Virat Kohli’s consistency:
“Virat Kohli has been incredibly consistent. Scoring 9000 IPL runs against the world’s best bowlers is no easy task. It’s about hunger, discipline, and adapting every year, and that’s what brings the best out of him. He has been in the IPL since 2008, and the best part is that he didn’t start his career as an opener. He batted in the lower middle order, fought for his place, then moved to number three. Later, he opened with Chris Gayle. That changed his game completely. He will soon reach 10,000 runs, without a doubt. Kohli is the greatest batter the TATA IPL has ever seen, not just for the runs, but for how he has evolved and dominated across different eras.”
On Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s improvements to his game:
“Instead of reinventing, he has been doing the same stuff consistently, over and over again, and he is just getting better at it. The time off from international cricket is now helping him structure his time better throughout the year. He’s getting enough time to work on fitness and stay fresh. He has enough experience and knows how to deal with pressure situations. It is just about being able to do what you have been doing. That means hitting those areas with the ball which trouble batters the most, and having control over swing, which we are seeing right now. That is why his impact has always been great with the new ball.”
On why batters have a tough time dealing with Josh Hazlewood:
“Josh Hazlewood is the kind of bowler every team wants and RCB are blessed to have him. He beats batters with his variations, and his height gives him a lot of advantage. Being tall, he always gets extra bounce, and the Bangalore pitch helps him ask tough questions. His control is never in doubt. He doesn’t bowl loose balls. If you hit him for runs, it has to be a really good shot. You have to go after a decent length ball, not a half-volley. He operates in the perfect area. His biggest weapon is the extra bounce. It hurries the batter. You cannot really prepare for him. He is like Morne Morkel. Both of them are tall bowlers with high release points and that extra lift comes naturally to them. The extra bounce feels like extra pace and Hazlewood’s deliveries hit the bat hard. When he is in the right rhythm, like he was against DC, he is a nightmare for any batter.”
Watch Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals in TATA IPL 2026 today, 7:30 PM onwards, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network
