India vs England: Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s resurgence a massive boost for India
The disappointing look on Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s face as he limped off the field three overs into his spell in a World Cup clash against Pakistan is still quite fresh in the minds of Indian fans.
Bhuvneshwar’s career has been hampered by injuries time and again. After he burst on to the international scene with impressive performances, he suffered his first setback with an ankle injury in 2015. But as you expect from most top class players, he made a strong comeback. Bhuvneshwar added new tricks to his arsenal and became a much improved, more reliable white ball bowler. For the next four years, he dominated the limited overs formats alongside Bumrah and the spin twin Kul-Cha.
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Things went downhill rapidly for Bhuvneshwar as he aggravated his back injury in 2018 that ruled him out of the England Test series. Not long after his comeback, he again suffered, this time a hamstring injury in the 2019 World Cup which forced him to miss the remainder of the tournament.
If that wasn’t enough, the year ended with another setback for him — sports hernia, which required a surgery. 2020 also brought no respite for him. When he finally looked like finding his way back, he copped another blow. Four matches into the IPL season, he suffered a hip injury which kept him out of action for further six months.
Such has been Bhuvneshwar’s journey so far. The continuous run-ins with injuries have been very frustrating for the management and for the fans, and nobody can even imagine what it has been like for him. For the very reason, his comeback in this limited overs leg against England is refreshing and one to cherish.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar in action against England at MCA Stadium in Pune
Making a comeback after injuries is never easy for pacers. The mental toughness that he has shown and the way he has developed as a bowler over the years is remarkable. All this while staying true to his self and never taking the success for granted. An extremely admirable player whose smallest of joys make it feel like your own.
What does Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s comeback mean for India?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar showed us that he is on his way back to his old self in the T20I series against England. He put on a display of impeccable line and length, swinging the ball both ways, making batsmen dance to his tunes. He picked four wickets in five matches but more importantly he maintained an economy rate of 6.29 rpo. His 2 for 15 in four overs in the fifth T20I runfest highlighted his excellence. That series performance against a destructive batting unit like England and in the absence of Bumrah was truly an exceptional effort.
This series has been a huge return to form for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Four wickets, Economy 6.4rpo, and an average Bowling Impact of +7.3 – the best he's recorded in a T20I series since SA in 2018. The difference between the two sides today. #INDvENG
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) March 20, 2021
Bhuvneshwar backed that performance up with a fine showing in the first ODI. When all other Indian bowlers went at over 5.9 rpo, he showed extraordinary control and conceded at 3.3 rpo while picking up 2 wickets.
Since 2019, India’s limited overs bowling has largely been dependent on Jasprit Bumrah. Bhuvneshwar’s injuries and Kuldeep, Chahal’s downfall being the biggest reasons for it. India have a plethora of Pace bowlers coming through thanks to their quality domestic structure and while they have a potent bowling attack in Tests, they’re far from it in limited overs. Mainly because developing pacers takes time in shorter formats.
India may have plenty of options but none of them are Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The seamer offers what none other can. Bhuvneshwar has mastered the art of swinging the ball both ways with outstanding control. He can extract movement off the pitch, bowl yorkers at will in the death overs and can use the cutters and slower balls to great effect. These aspects make him one of the most skillful seam bowlers in the world. Not to forget, he brings tons of experience of bowling in difficult phases of the match with him. India have also struggled to take wickets with the new ball in recent times, a fit and firing Bhuvi could well be the answer to that.
Bhuvneshwar getting back to his best are ominous signs for opposition teams. Bumrah and Bhuvi, two menacing craftsmen pairing up again, will be a sight to watch. There are three ICC events lined up in the next three years, and Bhuvneshwar’s resurgence could elevate this Indian side to a whole new level.