Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s ‘Best Ever’ IPL List Snub Sparks Rohit Sharma Fan Outcry

The Omission That Ignited the Internet: Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s IPL Best List

The world of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket is never short of drama, both on and off the field. Recently, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a name synonymous with swing bowling and precision, found himself at the center of a social media storm. During a rapid-fire interaction with Cricbuzz, Kumar was asked to rank his best IPL moments and players. While his choices for best captain, bowler, and finisher were met with general acceptance, one particular exclusion sent shockwaves through the fan base: the conspicuous absence of Indian captain Rohit Sharma from his ‘best batter ever faced’ list.

Instead of Sharma, Kumar named his current Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate, Virat Kohli, as the best batter. This seemingly simple choice has since been amplified across various platforms, leading to widespread speculation and passionate debates among fans, particularly those staunch supporters of Rohit Sharma. The incident has once again brought to the forefront the perceived rivalries and allegiances that often simmer beneath the surface of professional cricket.

Bhuvneshwar’s Journey: From India’s Prime Pacer to IPL Resurgence

To understand the depth of fan reaction, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s career trajectory. In his prime, Kumar was undoubtedly one of India’s most potent swing bowlers, capable of dismantling top orders with his exquisite control and ability to move the ball both ways. His performances for the national team were crucial, making him a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack. However, as often happens in the demanding world of professional sport, injuries began to take their toll, and increased competition saw him gradually fade from the international scene, particularly in the post-COVID pandemic era.

Yet, like many seasoned campaigners, the IPL provided a renewed stage for Kumar to rediscover his rhythm and impact. His resurgence began notably in IPL 2025, where he played a pivotal role in RCB’s historic maiden title victory. This experience not only reaffirmed his class but also brought him into close quarters with current RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, a player he would later laud as his best captain. This period marked a significant turning point, showcasing that even after international setbacks, his talent and match-winning abilities remained very much intact.

Breaking Down the Controversial ‘Best Of’ List

The rapid-fire round with Cricbuzz was intended to be a light-hearted segment, but Kumar’s selections quickly became hot topics. Let’s look at his picks:

• Best Captain: Rajat Patidar (RCB Skipper) – A choice that makes sense given Patidar led RCB to their maiden title in 2025, with Kumar being a key component of that success. This pick highlights team loyalty and shared triumph.
• Best Bowler: Jasprit Bumrah – Few would argue with this. Bumrah’s unique action, pinpoint Yorkers, and death-bowling prowess make him a global phenomenon and a bowler who consistently delivers under pressure.
• Best Finisher: MS Dhoni – The legendary ‘Captain Cool’ and one of the greatest finishers the game has ever seen. Dhoni’s calm demeanor and ability to close out games have made him an icon.
• Best Batter Ever Faced: Virat Kohli – This is where the controversy truly began. Naming Kohli, a fierce rival to Rohit Sharma in the ‘best batter’ debate for many fans, and completely omitting Sharma, was seen by many as a deliberate slight.

The decision to pick Kohli over Sharma for the ‘best batter ever faced’ immediately set tongues wagging. In a cricketing landscape where player rivalries, even perceived ones, are intensely followed, such a declaration from a respected peer like Bhuvneshwar Kumar was bound to create a stir.

The Roots of a Perceived Rivalry: A Look Back

Fans, ever keen to connect the dots, quickly unearthed past incidents to support the narrative of a brewing rivalry between Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rohit Sharma. One particular event from years ago resurfaced: an instance where Sharma, then India’s captain, was visibly upset and kicked a ball in frustration after Kumar dropped a crucial catch. While such displays of emotion are not uncommon in high-pressure situations, fans interpreted it as a public display of disapproval that might have left a lingering impression.

More recently, during an IPL clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and RCB, Bhuvneshwar Kumar managed to dismiss Rohit Sharma. For many fans, this dismissal wasn’t just another wicket; it was seen as an act of ‘revenge’ for the past incident, a calculated response from Kumar. This combination of historical context and recent on-field action fueled the belief that Kumar’s exclusion of Sharma from his ‘best of’ list was not merely an oversight but a deliberate, perhaps subtle, jab at his former captain and, by extension, his legions of fans.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Stellar IPL 2026 Season

Amidst all the off-field chatter, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s performance in the ongoing IPL 2026 season for RCB has been nothing short of spectacular. Far from being distracted by social media debates, Kumar has been in phenomenal form, reminding everyone of the class and skill that made him a premier bowler for India. He is currently enjoying one of the best IPL seasons of his career, showcasing his ability to adapt and dominate in a format often skewed towards batsmen.

In 14 games played so far, Kumar has scalped an impressive 24 wickets at an outstanding average of 18.50. These figures have placed him firmly at the top of the wicket-takers’ chart, making him the holder of the coveted Purple Cap. What makes this achievement even more significant is that RCB has successfully qualified for the playoffs, guaranteeing Kumar at least a couple more games to add to his tally and solidify his claim on the Purple Cap.

His contribution goes beyond mere wicket count. Bhuvneshwar has been instrumental in providing RCB with crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay, where his swing bowling remains a potent weapon. Moreover, his ability to execute his plans effectively during the death overs, hitting consistent lengths and varying his pace, has made him a reliable asset when batsmen are looking to accelerate. This dual-phase dominance is a testament to his experience and rediscovered form, proving that even at 35 or more, a bowler of his caliber can still be incredibly lethal in modern-day T20 cricket.

Bhuvneshwar vs. Rohit: Fact or Fabricated Feud?

So, is there truly a deep-seated rivalry between Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rohit Sharma? Let’s consider the on-field statistics first. In their IPL encounters, Rohit Sharma has faced 76 balls from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, scoring 102 runs at a strike rate of 134, while getting dismissed twice. These are respectable numbers for a batsman of Sharma’s caliber against a top-tier bowler. The stats suggest competitive encounters, as expected between two elite players, but nothing that overtly screams personal animosity.

When it comes to the alleged off-field rivalry, particularly the notion of Kumar taking “revenge” or intentionally snubbing Sharma, the reality is often far removed from the narrative spun by social media. It’s a common phenomenon for fans to create and amplify rivalries between players, often to generate engagement and excitement. While passionate fan bases are a vital part of sports, they can sometimes distort the professional relationships between athletes.

In truth, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rohit Sharma have always maintained a cordial and professional relationship. Both have represented India together for many years, sharing dressing rooms and celebrating victories. Disagreements or moments of frustration on the field are part and parcel of competitive sports and rarely translate into lasting personal grudges among professionals. Kumar’s choices for his ‘best ever’ list are likely his genuine preferences, influenced by personal experiences and observations, rather than a deliberate slight born out of any personal animosity towards Rohit Sharma. The idea of a deep-seated feud is largely a social media-orchestrated agenda, fueled by the desire to pit two giants of Indian cricket against each other.