Bhuvneshwar Kumar Outfoxes Virat Kohli With Perfect Yorker In RCB Practice Session
Bhuvneshwar Kumar stuns Virat Kohli with pinpoint yorker as RCB ramps up prep for IPL 2026.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Virat Kohli was left completely stumped during a pre-Indian Premier League practice session by a perfectly executed yorker from veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The video of the moment has gone viral, highlighting the swing specialist’s precision as he targeted Kohli’s leg stump, forcing the star batter off balance.
RCB heads into IPL 2026 facing some uncertainties in its pace attack. Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood is expected to miss the opening games, and left-arm seamer Yash Dayal’s availability remains unclear. This has elevated the responsibility on the shoulders of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who at 36 years old, is expected to lead the pace department and guide younger bowlers.
Both Kohli and Bhuvneshwar were instrumental in RCB’s maiden IPL title win in 2025. Kohli topped the team’s scoring charts with 657 runs in 15 innings, while Bhuvneshwar overcame a slow start to finish with 17 wickets in 14 matches. Bought for Rs 10.75 crore in the 2025 mega auction, Bhuvneshwar is also expected to mentor RCB’s emerging pace talents, including Rasikh Salam Dar (Rs 6 crore) and left-arm pacer Mangesh Yadav (Rs 5.20 crore).
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The viral video of Bhuvneshwar’s yorker has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike, showcasing that even with younger bowlers waiting in the wings, the veteran remains a formidable force. His accuracy and ability to execute in high-pressure situations make him a key asset for RCB in the early stages of the season.
Off the field, franchise valuations are drawing attention ahead of the 2026 season. NDTV sources indicate that Rajasthan Royals recently rejected a $1.7 billion (around Rs 16,000 crore) bid from the CPCP consortium. Market analysts suggest this could allow RCB to command at least a 15% premium over Rajasthan Royals, given its strong brand presence, fan base, and commercial appeal.
A consortium led by Dr. Ranjan Pai of Manipal Hospitals, along with US private equity giant KKR and Singapore’s Temasek, is reportedly in pole position to acquire a stake in RCB. As the IPL 2026 season approaches, both on-field performances and off-field developments are shaping up to make it a high-stakes campaign for the franchise.
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