Indian cricketer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, affectionately known to fans as 'Bhuvi', celebrates his 35th birthday on February 5, 2025. Renowned for his exceptional swing bowling, he has solidified his reputation as one of India's premier pacers over the last decade. Born on this day in 1990, Kumar hails from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, with his rise to fame marked by several notable achievements throughout his career.
Kumar's cricketing pathway began at a young age, initially playing domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh. He made his international debut against Pakistan on December 25, 2012, immediately making headlines after dismissing Mohammad Hafeez with his first ball. Over his career, he has taken 294 wickets across all formats, showcasing his prowess particularly as part of the Indian team’s bowling lineup. His accolades include the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy victory in 2013 and Asia Cup titles in both 2016 and 2018, emphasizing his importance to the squad.
Among his remarkable career highlights, Bhuvneshwar is celebrated for his mastery over inswingers and outswingers, earning him the nickname 'Swing King'. "Bhuvneshwar Kumar is known for his perfect inswingers and his ability to bowl economically," said many cricket analysts over the years. His skill set resulted in his being recognized as one of the top bowlers not only on the national team but also within the Indian Premier League (IPL). He’s particularly notable as the first bowler to win the Purple Cap for taking the most wickets for two consecutive seasons and the only Indian to achieve five-wicket hauls across all formats of the game, which is no small feat.
Despite these accomplishments, Kumar has faced challenges, including absences from the national team. His last appearance for India came during the T20 World Cup in 2022, and he has since been focusing on domestic cricket and the IPL, where he remains a formidable presence. Currently, he is set to make his return to the Royal Challengers Bangalore after 14 years, adding another chapter to his vibrant career. His impact on the IPL is still felt, with cumulative stats showing 181 wickets to date and contributions to his franchise's success.
On this special occasion of his 35th birthday, fans and fellow cricketers celebrate him not just for his records but also for his sportsmanship and dedication to the game. Bhuvneshwar’s family has played a pivotal role throughout his career, with stories of his sister supporting him during his formative years. "It was my sister who introduced me to coaching at the age of 13, ensuring I had the right guidance and support to fuel my passion for cricket," Kumar reflected during past interviews.
His on-field performances are complemented by his flair for batting, with notable innings during his early career showcasing his all-round capabilities. He has shown he could not only contribute with the ball but also make significant contributions when it came to batting, famously scoring 128 runs off 253 balls when batting at number eight, exemplifying his all-round skill set.
Looking back through the years, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has become more than just a cricketer; he is seen as a role model and inspiration, particularly for aspiring young bowlers. His ability to rise from humble beginnings, overcoming the odds, is encapsulated beautifully through stories from his youth, where there was even a time when he lacked proper footwear for playing. With his sister's support, he emerged from challenges to claim his place on the international stage.
Today, as he celebrates his birthday, his fans, teammates, and the cricketing community reflect on his legacy and achievements, eagerly anticipating what he might accomplish next. Whether he is swinging the ball at the IPL or making waves with the national team again, one thing is sure: Bhuvneshwar Kumar is and will always remain one of the cherished icons of Indian cricket.