For cricket fans who have been watching Indian cricket for years, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has always seemed soft-spoken, calm, and extremely dedicated to his work. But in a rare, emotional stint on The Ranveer Show (TRS) podcast, the seasoned pacer pulled back the veil on his personal life, including his affection for Bollywood and an unexpected IPL secret that's got fans smiling.

Presently a central part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) bowling lineup for the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Bhuvneshwar Kumar is exhibiting glimpses of his past glory. Out of action on the international scene for some time now, his consistent performances with RCB have raised eyebrows. But in a welcome departure from match-hype, the pacer recently reminisced straight back to the inaugural season of the IPL way back in 2008.

"I Supported KKR in 2008 – All Because of Shah Rukh Khan"

Interviewing podcast host Ranveer Allahbadia on TRS, Bhuvneshwar shared that as a young cricketer in 2008, he supported the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Why? Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

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In 2008, I was rooting for KKR because of Shah Rukh Khan. He is so down-to-earth and speaks very normally, like a best friend. I love all his films, Ram Jaane, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Koyla, Duplicate," Bhuvneshwar smiled. It wasn't just admiration from afar. Bhuvi has met SRK a couple of times and is still amazed at how the superstar treats everyone with the same warmth.

"He speaks so beautifully and has you believing you knew him for ages. He's so unassuming. It's impossible not to be a fan," he added. In a cricketing life full of unspoken resolve and quiet service to the team, it is perhaps no wonder that Bhuvi resonates with the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, a global superstar whose humility lies behind his glistening glamour.

New Chapter With RCB And Bhuvi’s Back in Business

While his comments on KKR stirred nostalgia, Bhuvneshwar’s present is firmly with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. After a long stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Uttar Pradesh-born pacer found himself released before the mega-auction, a move that surprised many but gave him a fresh start. RCB didn't delay. They picked him up for INR 10.75 crore, indicating how much faith they still have in the veteran campaigner. And Bhuvi hasn't let them down.

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In five games to date, he has six wickets to his credit with an economy of 7.84, which is extremely neat given the batting-friendly pitches of the IPL. His average reads a respectable 24.83, but importantly, he's been RCB's go-to man in tight spots, particularly in the powerplay and death overs. Bhuvi’s resurgence has coincided with RCB’s strong start to the season. With four wins from six matches, they currently sit third on the points table with eight points and a solid net run rate of +0.672. There’s a growing sense among fans that this could finally be the year for RCB. Their subsequent encounter is with Punjab Kings on April 18 at the legendary M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a ground that has witnessed both heartbreak and history over time. Bhuvneshwar will surely have an important say in that match, bringing his cool under fire to a team that's normally thrived on passion and flair.

It’s not every day that cricketers open up about their pop culture influences or childhood fandoms. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s candid chat on The Ranveer Show offered a refreshing peek into the man behind the outswinger. From idolizing Shah Rukh Khan to now holding his own in one of the world’s most demanding T20 leagues, Bhuvi’s journey continues to inspire quietly, gracefully, just like the man himself. And perhaps, maybe possibly, the young lad who rooted for KKR because of Shahrukh Khan might raise an IPL trophy under the colours of RCB, reworking his script, Bollywood fashion.