Last Update: February 05, 2023, 07:05 IST
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (AP Image)
Happy Birthday Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Team India’s fast bowler has the uncanny ability to swing the bowling both ways. In fact, his primary skill is to bowl full and let the ball float around like a butterfly
Happy birthday Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Bhuvneshwar Kumar has emerged as an indispensable part of India’s bowling line-up over the years. Bhuvneshwar has an amazing ability to move the ball both ways. In fact, his primary skill is to bowl full and let the ball float around like a butterfly. Premier batsmen like Babar Azam and Joe Root have struggled against his in-cutters, which are slightly shorter in length.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of the few bowlers in Indian cricket who has achieved tremendous success in all three formats of the game. However, persistent injury troubles have hampered his career.
The fast bowler has been battling back, hamstring and thigh injuries since the 2019 ICC World Cup. He regained full fitness last year and found his form in the 2022 Indian Premier League. The Swing King has delivered many memorable performances in his illustrious career. On the eve of his 33rd birthday, let’s take a look at some of his best spells in international cricket.
4/26 vs Pakistan in Dubai T20I (2022)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar registered the best bowling figures by an Indian bowler in T20I cricket against Pakistan in this high-voltage match. Clever Bhuvneshwar broke the back of Pakistan by dismissing his captain Babar Azam inside the powerplay. Bhuvneshwar ended with figures of 4/26 in his quota of four overs. Thanks to the magical spell of Bhuvneshwar, Team India won the match.
5/82 vs England in Nottingham Test (2014)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar took his first five wicket haul in this match. Although the match ended in a draw, many fans consider this spell to be Bhuvneshwar’s best. His scalps included those of Ben Stokes and Matt Prior. Bhuvneshwar’s performance in this Test cemented his place in the team.
6/82 vs England at Lord’s (2014)
The fast bowler got his name on the prestigious Lord’s Honors Board against England in July 2014. In the first innings, Team India was bowled out for just 295 runs. However, Bhuvneshwar brought his team back into the game by registering sensational bowling figures of 6/82 in the second innings. Bhuvneshwar supervised the entire England batting line-up which included batsmen like Alastair Cook and Ian Bell. India scripted a famous Test victory at Lord’s, thanks to a masterful display of swing bowling from Bhuvneshwar.
5/33 vs West Indies in Gros Islet Test (2016)
Wing King once again showed his mettle in this memorable Test against the West Indies. In the second innings, West Indies were looking ready to post a big score. Bhuvneshwar Kumar had other ideas as he dismissed Marlon Samuels, who was well set on 48. Samuels’ wicket opened the floodgates as the hosts were bowled out for 225. Bhuvneshwar’s figures of 5/33 in the second innings played a huge role in India’s impressive victory.
5/24 vs South Africa in Johannesburg T20I (2018)
In this T20I match, Bhuvneshwar Kumar registered sensational bowling figures of 5/24 to lead Team India to victory. After India posted 203 runs on the board, the visitors appeared to be well on their way to chasing down the challenging target. Bhuvneshwar came into action by dismissing Reeza Hendricks. He eventually took five wickets and was named player of the match.
get the latest cricket news Here