This performance will boost my confidence: Bhuvneshwar Kumar

India made three changes in its squad for the last league game against UAE in the Asia Cup T20 one of which was right-arm swing bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Bhuvi who after being a regular part of the team was dropped due to lack of fitness and form has been around the team all the while but has found it difficult to break into the XI. Injury to Mohammad Shami ahead of the T20I series against Australia got him a call but after playing one game, he was ruled out due to an injury himself. He though recovered in time for the Asia Cup and Shami’s prolonged injury meant he was once again a part of the squad.

India tried Jasprit Bumrah after Bhuvi wasn’t available and Bumrah since then has formed a formidable pair with senior pro, Ashish Nehra and the attack has looked complete. Bhuvneshwar who was earlier seen bowling quicker than he usually did but had lost his natural swing against adding the extra mile, last night, though, he bowled a lot more within himself and to his strength and swung the ball both ways. The batsmen found it difficult to negotiate him and it was evident from his figures of 4-2-8-2. He was the star with the ball for India and bowled two maidens in his spell of four.

What his form has done is given the management an option in case Shami isn’t able to prove his fitness on time, they have an experienced bowler who can deliver whenever brought in.

Following the match, talking to BCCI.tv the UP pacer said, “It feels great to get back to playing (in the XI). To be honest, I was nervous when I walked out to bowl since I was playing after a long gap,”

“I was waiting for this opportunity for a long time. This performance will boost my mental confidence and if and when I get a chance to play in the future, I will remember that I had done well in my previous outing.”

Bhuvneshwar also said that he is working on adding more variety to his bowling and has been practicing the slower delivery.

“I want to work on my slower deliveries. I know I can bowl a yorker at the death, but if I can bowl a slower ball as well then it can prove to be an advantage for me. I want to develop a good slower delivery and I am working on the same at the moment,” he said.

Skipper MS Dhoni also praised Bhuvi and said he was happy with the way he had performed despite the fact that he didn’t have enough match practice.

“He is a hardworking guy and he works hard in the nets and in the gym and that is something that is important for the fast bowlers,” Dhoni said.

“Fast bowlers have to keep themselves fit and take the break in the best possible manner if you are not in the playing eleven. I feel the break has helped him increase the pace, and at the same time, it has not affected his swing bowling which is the key.

“That is a big positive sign for us. He is still someone who can bowl consistently in a particular line and length.

Bhuvneshwar coming good gives us that extra option if Mohammad Shami doesn’t get fit. He is somebody who can straightaway come in and start doing the work for the team.”