In some ways, it’s brilliant and life coming full circle for Bhuvneshwar Kumar now that he is playing the T20 Internationals against New Zealand. This is no random-speak. The last time that he actually
bowled for India in a T20I jersey was against none other than New Zealand, circa November 2022, where in the 2nd game of the then series, the Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer went wicketless going for nearly 9 an over off his spell. That was McLean Park. However, a game earlier, he had taken Finn Allen’s wicket in the only wicket he claimed in that series.
This time around, as Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to the same country and format where he last featured for his nation, there’s no change in his excitement for representing India and the hope that his representation carries for his nation and fans. As a matter of fact, he’s grown more experienced in the game having won two eminent titles in the franchise format, his successes with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru justifying his selection in the squad to face the Kiwis.
3 reasons why Bhuvneshwar Kumar can be vital for India’s success
Here are three reasons why Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return could prove crucial for India
No dearth of recent match winning experience
With no fewer than 45 wickets in the last two seasons combined for the RCB, here’s a new looking Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who will try to pack a bigger punch as international duties call. And it’s about time- isn’t it? Moreover, he has retained the fitness and the desire to excel for his country at the same level that one can expect of a matchwinner of his talent. He’s been such a fine matchwinner and an asset for the RCB that all that vital experience, one would hope, comes good for India’s cause now. More than ever!
India need someone experienced alongside Naman Dhir, Mayank Yadav and the likes
Both Naman Dhir and Mayank Yadav, talented and enterprising, are still new to the game, especially the T20I format. While their best days lie ahead, purely in terms of their careers’ standpoint, they have only just gotten going.
They have, collectively speaking, played 15 games for India in the briefest format and have taken 14 wickets.
On the other hand, Nitish Reddy, more experienced in the game in that he’s already made his Test debut for India, has 10 wickets from 9 games in T20Is.
The rising pool of India’s youngsters with the white ball need someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar to rise to the fore and provide that much needed match winning experience that can come to India’s cause and support the young gaggle of talents.
Bhuvi is on the cusp of a huge potential landmark
With no fewer than 90 wickets to his name in the format, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is already on the cusp of something that’s never too easy to achieve in the format that’s often batter-leaning. Isn’t it? Furthermore, he also presents the great experience of having already played 88 T20I games for his country. That is all set to, one reckons, come to India’s cause especially at a time where the most celebrated bowler for the country has been rested- Jasprit Bumrah.
