By Avinash Kr Atish New Delhi, Nov 24, : Bhuvneshwar hasn’t been at his best with the ball over the past couple of years.However, the constant backing and trust of Rohit Sharma and RahulDravid can make a difference for him.The pacer showed signs of his return to form in recent T20Is against New Zealand.
Because of his fitness issues, Bhuvneshwar was in and out of the Indian cricket squad for the past few years.
Even though he made some comebacks, he failed to perform to his expectations and his swing bowling was lacking in those matches.
The quick from Meerut was only able to play one match for India at the 2021 T20 World Cup.He was also set to be dropped from the T20 series against New Zealand because of uncertainty about his fitness and form.Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid believed in him and chose him to be in the squad.
They chose him to be in the team.Bhuvneshwar also played all three matches of series.He also bowled well, proving their faith in him.The T20Is squad included Avesh Khan and Harshal Patel who did a great job for their team in IPL 2021.However, Dravid Sharma’s faith in Bhuvi in the first match shows Dravid’s belief in the skilled bowler.
The 31-year old pacer showed some signs of a return to form in T20I series.
He bowled an absolutely perfect delivery to take out Kiwi opener Daryl Mitchell.Mitchell had some amazing batting performances at the recent World Cup.Mitchell was left in a coma after Mitchell bowled a long delivery outside off stump.The ball bounced quickly and he was unable to control it.The ball went straight between the pad and bat and hit the middle stump during the T20I.
This stunning delivery left everyone in awe.It also reminded people of Kumar’s 2012 debut series, when he made the white Kookaburra zip around the Pakistani batters and took crucial wickets.The pacer was run for a few runs in the next match against the Kiwis but he bowled well throughout the series with great control and movement.
A cricketer who is going through a difficult phase in his career needs support and encouragement, especially from his coach and captain.Rohit and Rahul talk about how they will likely give him a long rope.
Rohit, ahead of his first assignment as India captain against New Zealand had also highlighted the need for him to play a “big part” in allowing individuals and coaches to inspire confidence and fearlessness in cricket.
“It is important to give men enough confidence so they can take risks in the middle.If it happens, it happens.What happens if it doesn’t? Rohit said that Dravid and Rohit will play a significant role in giving the individual enough security.
Virat Kohli, the former T20I captain, had dismissed concerns about Bhuvi’s form leading up to the T20 World Cup.He supported Bhuvi by praising the economy rate and extending his support.Kohli’s words were not to match his actions as the experienced bowler was removed from India’s playing team after just one match.
Bhuvneshwar was the Purple Cap holder in 2016 and 2017, but only took three wickets in six games, an average of 54, during the second phase IPL 2021 in Dubai.His IPL season economy rate of 7.97 was the worst.He also missed Sunrisers Hyderabad’s final league fixture due to a niggle.
His performance in the T20I series against Black Caps was a great sign of his confidence.
Team India is encouraged by Bhuvneshwar’s good form and fitness.Only Jasprit Bumrah, currently in T20, can bowl at different points of the game.
Bhuvneshwar, like Bumrah has the temperament and skill set to be able to bowl in different phases of the game as well as bail out teams by taking crucial wickets.With just 11 months to go before the next T20 World Cup, captain Rohit and coach Dravid would love to give Bhuvi a longer run, at least in the shortest format.
Fast bowlers can improve their speed by playing continuous competitive cricket.Kumar had stated that he had lost his bowling rhythm by not playing for long periods in international cricket.
“The break from international cricket did affect my rhythm.When it comes to bowling, match rhythm is completely different.
I tried everything to get in rhythm in the nets.It can’t be 100% if you compare it with a match,” he stated ahead of an ODI against Australia, Adelaide in 2019.
Bhuvneshwar was the first player in IPL to make use of the knuckle ball and add it to his repertoire.He has been SRH’s most trusted bowler at both ends an innings.Kumar has done it all in IPL, whether it was picking up early wickets or choking the opposition in the death overs.
Bhuvi’s next challenge is to stay niggle-free, regain the pace he used and show the world that he is a gifted athlete.Rohit-Rahul’s constant support and trust, the pacer will want to bring his “swingking” avatar or even be better.
A fit Bhuvneshwar, in his full swing with his nagging swing-bowling, is a nightmare for batters, but a delight to watch for fans of fast bowling.
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