On bhuvneshwar

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s match‑winning performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Mumbai Indians drew glowing praise from former India batter Ambati Rayudu, who described him as ‘an artist now’ for the skill and control he displayed in Raipur.

Bhuvneshwar, 36, picked a stunning 4-23 to derail MI's batting before striking a crucial six in the final over to take RCB to a nervy two-wicket victory. His effort not only eliminated MI from the playoffs race but also lifted him to the top of the Purple Cap standings with 21 wickets.

"I think it's just his ability, and especially on a pitch like that where most of the balls would hit the stumps (that) he is even more lethal. Generally, when a batsman gets beaten on a bouncy track (the ball misses the stumps), but on these sort of pitches, he would more or less get you out lbw or caught behind.