Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and India fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar recently spoke about how his interactions with veteran batter and IPL teammate Virat Kohli have evolved over the years. Both were instrumental in RCB’s memorable IPL 2025 season, which saw the franchise secure their first-ever title in 18 years under Rajat Patidar’s leadership.
In a chat on the YouTube podcast Talk with Manvendra, the 35-year-old shared insights into his relationship with Virat Kohli. He mentioned that these days, their discussions are more centered on family life, a shift from the lighthearted jokes and banter that dominated their conversations in earlier years.
“Things are different now. When we meet these days, we talk more about family or off-the-ground family matters because everyone has a family now. We talk about how we are doing in life other than cricket. Earlier, when we weren’t married and were younger, it was more about the usual fun and jokes boys have. So that’s where the change has come,” Bhuveshwar said.
“But I think on the ground we are professional. We never need that bond to perform well because if RCB has picked me, or Virat, or any other player, they want us to perform regardless of friendship. We know what we have to do on the ground. But off the ground, as I said, things have changed. Everyone has matured, and we’ve grown older, so now the conversations are different,” he added.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Lauds Patidar’s Leadership In RCB’s IPL 2025 Triumph
In the same discussion, Bhuvneshwar Kumar reflected on playing under Rajat Patidar, commending the ease with which he led a side filled with seasoned players. Talking about Patidar, he remarked:
“It was very good. With such an experienced team, Rajat didn’t have to do much. He avoided unnecessary interference but took the right decisions when needed. Many hesitate in such situations, but he didn’t. He knew exactly when to step in and when to stay relaxed.”
The 35-year-old noted that RCB’s 2025 success came from different players stepping up at crucial moments. He said:
“This time, the biggest difference was that players in the XI won matches in different games and roles. In such a long tournament, you can’t rely on just one or two players, you need many to perform. For RCB, both bowlers and batters stepped up at various stages, with someone new winning the game each time.”
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