Bhuvneshwar Kumar, was the showstopper at the 2nd ODI. His magical swing bowling was very decisive in India’s win, and won him the player of the match award. The first two games of the three-match Twenty20 series saw India outsmart England by 50 and 49 runs, respectively. Under Rohit Sharma, the visiting team has won four straight series, and Rohit was effusive in his admiration of his team’s strategy during the powerplay, both with the bat and the ball.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s wizardry in the first six over was mostly responsible for India’s superiority in the bowling department. Since the South Africa series began, the seamer has been in excellent shape, and the white Kookaburra made his job in England simpler.
As Bhuvneshwar cut through the opposition’s top order, it swung in Southampton and Birmingham. Jos Buttler played twice for the Indians, and this had a lot to do with the movement he extracted from the pitch.
When the ball swings, you enjoy – Bhuvneshwar Kumar
“When ball swings, you definitely enjoy. In the last few years, there is not much help with the ball in England but this year it’s more. White ball getting swing upfront is a motivational factor for fast bowler and batters have to take their chances,” said Bhuvneshwar, who claimed the player-of-the-match award for his 3/15 in the second Twenty20.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar first had the dangerous Jason Roy caught at slip by India captain Rohit Sharma for a first-ball duck. He struck again by removing Buttler, who feathered it to Rishabh Pant behind the sticks.
Only Moeen Ali (35) and David Willey (33 not out) could put up some decent scores next to their names. England kept losing wickets at a steady rate after Bhuvneshwar laid the foundation in the powerplay.
On removing Buttler, he said, “We know Buttler is a dangerous player. If ball swings I go for a wicket and it works. If ball swings, it motivates you to do things against a particular batsman.”
The senior pacer was further asked if he’s fit and free of all injuries, to which he came up with an apt response. “Honestly, I don’t want to talk about injuries. If anyone asks me the same in India, I don’t answer it, sorry. I am playing so it seems it’s good,” Bhuvneshwar said.
Bhuvneshwar has had his fair share of injuries but his swing prowess was never in doubt. His troubles date back to 2018 when a back injury forced him to miss the Test series in England. He also endured a hamstring blow during the 2019 ODI World Cup and missed the Australia tour as well.
