The Day 2 of the IPL 2025 mega auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, proved to be a thrilling spectacle as veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar emerged as one of the most expensive buys. The seasoned bowler, formerly a mainstay for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), was snapped up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for an eye-popping price, making headlines across the cricketing world.
Bidding war takes place for Bhuvneshwar Kumar
The bidding war for Bhuvneshwar saw a fierce contest among three teams: Mumbai Indians (MI), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and RCB. Initially, MI and LSG went toe-to-toe, driving the price beyond INR 10 crore. However, RCB swooped in at the last moment with a decisive bid of INR 10.75 crore, securing the services of the swing maestro. Notably, Bhuvneshwar entered the auction with a base price of INR 2 crore, making his final price a massive leap and a testament to his value in the league.
A nostalgic return to RCB
For Bhuvneshwar, this move marks a return to where it all began. He started his IPL journey with RCB in 2009, though he didn’t play a single match during his two-season stint with the team. After moving to the now-defunct Pune Warriors India, Bhuvneshwar struggled to find consistency, but his fortunes turned dramatically when he joined SRH in 2014.
At SRH, Bhuvneshwar quickly became a cornerstone of the team, known for his impeccable accuracy and versatility as a bowler. Excelling in both the powerplay and death overs, he consistently delivered standout performances. Bhuvneshwar’s back-to-back Purple Caps in 2016 and 2017 and his pivotal role in SRH’s maiden IPL title win in 2016 solidified his status as one of the best bowlers in the tournament’s history.
Even after being released by SRH ahead of the 2025 mega auction, he remains their all-time leading wicket-taker with over 130 scalps. Now, Bhuvneshwar’s move to RCB gives him a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills and help the team chase their elusive first IPL title.
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Fans celebrate Bhuvi’s move to RCB
Bhuvneshwar’s transition to RCB has ignited a wave of enthusiasm among cricket fans. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions praising the bowler’s hefty price tag and expressing excitement about his potential impact at RCB. Many fans called the move a ‘homecoming’ and reminisced about his early days in the league.
Several fans also applauded RCB’s smart decision to secure a bowler of Bhuvneshwar’s caliber, recognizing his ability to turn games with his exceptional swing and precise death bowling. For RCB supporters, his arrival is seen as a boost to their team’s chances in the upcoming season.
Here is how fans reacted:
Stealth with moves like a panther, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is #NowAChallenger. 🥶
Are you ready to witness Poetry in Motion? 😍 #PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPLAuction #BidForBold #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/VEtsd6P9R9
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) November 25, 2024
He brings solid experience! 👌
Bhuvneshwar Kumar goes the #RCB way for INR 10.75 Crore! 👏 👏#TATAIPLAuction | #TATAIPL | @BhuviOfficial | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/zY9h8yQAkk
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) November 25, 2024
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the first RCB player whom no one on the internet will ever hate. pic.twitter.com/PDKH7kj3zN
— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) November 25, 2024
Bhuvi ❤️🤩🔥🥹#Rcb #bhuvneshwarkumar pic.twitter.com/LxFyD5eAuY
— Addicted To Memes (@Addictedtomemez) November 25, 2024
BHUVNESHWAR KUMAR SOLD TO BENGALURU FOR 10.75 CRORES…!!!! pic.twitter.com/NEd8w3tAdo
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 25, 2024
🚨 BHUVNESHWAR KUMAR SOLD TO RCB AT 10.75CR…!!!! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/trG3VTGEgu
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 25, 2024
Sad as an SRH fan. Happy as a cricket fan for Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
You well and truly deserve that amount, Bhuvi 👑🧡pic.twitter.com/ylgwmrRyUB
— ORANGE ARMY (@SUNRISERSU) November 25, 2024
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazelwood will be a treat to watch together NGL pic.twitter.com/GT5dbbEccf
— Kevin (@imkevin149) November 25, 2024
Man I like Bhuvneshwar Kumar finally he got the money he deserved but 10+ crore bit too much I feel but happy for him brother back home , where it all started…. After RCB 2009 now back to RCB 2025 …. 16 years later.
— Sai (@akakrcb6) November 25, 2024
bhuvneshwar kumar will be playing for RCB. Welcome to the biggest club bhuvi. pic.twitter.com/zxkuUK1ua4
— Kevin (@imkevin149) November 25, 2024
