Brought into the side for the second ODI against England, India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up one wicket for 63 runs from his 10 overs.
While that might not look like impressive bowling figures at first glance, when you consider that both sides scored over 350, it seems like a job well done.
What was most impressive through Bhuvneshwar’s spell, though, was his bowling at the death. England, led by captain Eoin Morgan, threatened to take the game away from the Indians but it wasn’t to be.
Speaking on the eve of the final ODI at Kolkata, Bhuvneshwar cited the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the reason behind his improvement as a death overs bowler.
“Firstly thanks to IPL, the way I was bowling at the death. Because when Sunrisers (Hyderabad) picked me I was already playing for the country and they were heavily dependent on me to bowl at the death,” said Bhuvneshwar.
“So, I was experienced to bowl at the death. I kept that thing in mind and tried to do same thing here.”
My death bowling has improved because of @IPL. I used that experience in international cricket: @BhuviOfficial #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/4h1XvnZdmy
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 21, 2017
One of the biggest issues for the Uttar Pradesh quick recently has been the fact that he is in and out of the side and he does feel that playing after long gaps is a tough task.
“It is tough when you are playing after a while. There is nervousness somewhere. You get an opportunity after a long time,” he added.
“I have not played for long and there was always this feeing that I am practising so much and not playing in matches. Getting into the match and bowling two-three overs makes you get used to the match situation.”
