Bhuvneshwar Kumar Hails Virat Kohli as Architect of India’s Test Cricket Revolution
In a captivating revelation, veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has attributed the dramatic transformation of India’s Test cricket to none other than Virat Kohli. Speaking in a heartfelt conversation shared by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on social media, Bhuvneshwar lauded Kohli’s aggressive leadership and unyielding determination to win overseas as the cornerstone of India’s rise as a Test cricket powerhouse.
Bhuvneshwar, once a linchpin of India’s pace attack, emphasized how Kohli redefined the team’s mindset. “I will give all the credit to Virat Kohli for Team India’s transformation in Test cricket and the fast bowling revolution. He brought in that mindset of winning everywhere—not just going with the flow. That hunger to dominate, especially in overseas conditions, was truly special,” he said. Under Kohli’s captaincy, India achieved historic Test victories in countries like Australia and England, including the iconic 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win Down Under—the first by an Asian team in over 70 years.
Reflecting on his own journey, the 35-year-old seamer, who last donned the Indian jersey in 2022, remains pragmatic about his international future. With young talents like Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik making waves, Bhuvneshwar focuses on staying in the moment. “I don’t set long-term goals anymore. I take it match by match, tour by tour. Staying in the present helps me give my best in every game or tournament,” he shared. His illustrious career, boasting 294 wickets across formats since his debut in 2012, is a testament to his skill and perseverance.
Despite his absence from the national side, Bhuvneshwar continues to shine in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Representing RCB, he has silently made his mark with 12 wickets in 10 matches, proving his mettle as a seasoned campaigner. His journey, however, hasn’t been without challenges. Injuries, including those during the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, tested his resolve. “Getting injured on such a big stage is tough. You know injuries are part of the game, but explaining the ‘why’ to yourself at that moment is hard,” he admitted. Yet, with characteristic humility, he added, “I have no regrets. That’s all I can say.”
As RCB gears up to face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Friday, they stand at a crucial juncture with 16 points from 11 matches, pushing hard for a playoff berth. Bhuvneshwar’s experience could be a game-changer in this high-stakes clash at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where his ability to swing the ball and outfox batters remains unmatched.
In closing, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s tribute to Virat Kohli reminds us of the transformative power of leadership. Kohli’s vision not only elevated India’s Test cricket stature but also paved the way for a lethal pace battery that continues to dominate world cricket. As Bhuvneshwar continues to inspire with his resilience and understated brilliance, fans can only hope to see more of his magic—both in the IPL and, perhaps, in the iconic blue jersey once again.