"Best bowler India has after Bumrah" - Dinesh Karthik on RCB's new signing at IPL 2025 Auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made some vital signings at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction to build a solid squad for the upcoming season in their quest for a maiden IPL trophy.

Bowling has been the biggest concern for RCB over the years, which has eluded them from winning the title. This time around, the franchise seemed to have made a conscious effort to build a potent bowling attack, particularly the fast-bowling unit.

Needing a lead Indian pacer with valuable experience after letting go of Mohammed Siraj, the Bengaluru franchise went all out after veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The 34-year-old was acquired by RCB on the second day of the IPL 2025 auction for a handsome amount of INR 10.75 crore.

In a video posted by a user (@coach_dk19) on social media platform X, Dinesh Karthik, now in the support staff of the franchise, can be seen in a discussion with Mo Bobat, Andy Flower and Omkar Salvi.

In the video, Dinesh Karthik said that Bhuvneshwar Kumar is India's best bowler after Jasprit Bumrah even to date.

"Just for the record, I am convinced that he is the best bowler India has after Bumrah even today. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the best T20 bowler," Karthik said.

Further, when Mo Bobat questioned about where Rasikh Salam stands, Karthik said that the 24-year-old has to be looked upon purely on skills. RCB also acquired the young pacer at the auction. Rasikh has been in top form in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, having picked up 11 wickets.

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In-form Bhuvneshwar Kumar to change RCB's fortunes?

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was picked up by the Bengaluru franchise at the IPL 2025 auction and will be the lead Indian pacer in the side. Along with the likes of Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal, the trio appears to form a solid pace attack.

Bowling at the Chinnaswamy Stadium has always been a nightmare and a player like Bhuvneshwar, who possesses the skill-sets to absorb the pressure in such conditions, could be the answer to their bowling woes.

He has been impressive in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India's premier domestic T20 tournament, having picked up 11 wickets from eight innings for Uttar Pradesh (as of December 11, 2024), including a hat-trick. Moreover, he has maintained an average of 12.90 and an economy rate of just 5.64, highlighting his fine form at present.