Bhuvneshwar Kumar rolled back the years with a sensational bowling display in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, delivering a triple-wicket maiden and securing a hat-trick. The Uttar Pradesh captain produced remarkable figures of 3/6, steering his team to a thrilling 10-run victory over Jharkhand. This performance not only reminded fans of his prime but also sparked calls for his return to the national team.
Bhuvneshwar’s Hat-Trick and Triple-Wicket Maiden
Defending a target of 161, Bhuvneshwar turned the game on its head during the 17th over. He dismissed Robin Minz, Bal Krishna, and Vivekanand Tiwari in consecutive deliveries, completing a stunning hat-trick. Adding to the brilliance, he bowled three more dot balls to finish the over as a maiden, a rare feat in T20 cricket.
Despite Anukul Roy’s explosive 91 for Jharkhand, the combined efforts of Bhuvneshwar, Nitish Rana, and Mohsin Khan, who took two wickets each, ensured a vital win for Uttar Pradesh. However, UP remains in sixth place in Group B with 8 points.
Bhuvneshwar’s IPL Transition and Recent Form
The hat-trick came shortly after Bhuvneshwar’s high-profile move to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the IPL 2025 mega-auction in Jeddah. RCB secured the seasoned pacer for ₹10.75 crore following his release from Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking the end of his decade-long association with the franchise.
Leading up to this standout performance, Bhuvneshwar also delivered a solid 3/28 against Haryana, maintaining consistent form in the tournament. These efforts have elevated his wicket tally to nine in the ongoing SMAT season.
Fan Frenzy and Calls for National Comeback
The internet erupted with excitement after Bhuvneshwar’s vintage display, with fans nostalgically celebrating the return of India’s original swing maestro. Many urged selectors to include him in India’s squad for upcoming international tours, including a potential trip to Australia.
Bhuvneshwar’s Journey and Resilience
Bhuvneshwar last represented India in November 2022 during a T20 match in Napier, following the T20 World Cup. A combination of injuries and inconsistent form has kept him out of the national side since then. However, the seasoned pacer continues to shine in the IPL, picking up 16 wickets in the 2024 season and 11 in 2025.
With this latest display of skill and determination, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has once again proven his worth, leaving fans hopeful for a national team comeback and eager to see more vintage performances.
