DHARAMSHALA: If not for the Indian Premier League, Bhuvneshwar Kumar might have quietly faded from the limelight after representing India for over a decade. However, in the batting-dominated landscape of the IPL, the veteran seamer has held his own and compelled everyone to acknowledge his bowling exploits.
Top of the wicket-taking chart
With 24 wickets from 14 matches, the 36-year-old shares the top spot in the wicket-takers' list this season alongside Kagiso Rabada. His wickets have come at an economy rate of 8.07 and a strike rate of 13.75. Last season was no less impressive. He played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's maiden IPL triumph, taking 17 wickets in 14 games.
Fitness and adaptation
Bhuvneshwar appears to have made peace with his international career, having last played for India in a T20I against New Zealand in Napier in 2022. Yet, the veteran continues to deliver. He remains supremely fit for a 36-year-old, having reduced his domestic cricket schedule and using the UP T20 League to attain peak physical condition for the IPL. Swing has never been an issue for the Uttar Pradesh bowler since he first held the ball. What he has mastered over the years is adjusting his length. His international experience enables him to read the pitch early, and he pitches the ball up only when the surface offers initial movement. If the pitch does not assist, he keeps batters guessing with subtle length variations. This season, 15 of his 24 wickets have come in the Powerplay.
Death bowling improvement
Bhuvneshwar has dramatically improved his death bowling. He mixes his lengths, nails the yorker, and has added a useful knuckleball to his arsenal. He has also formed a potent partnership with Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood and acts as a mentor to younger bowlers like Rasikh Dar in the RCB side. "He is an experienced bowler. He knows his strengths. His presence in the team is very important as he talks to the junior players often and guides them," said RCB captain Rajat Patidar.
Recent setback
His journey this season, however, has not been without setbacks. He was taken for runs in RCB's previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, conceding 51 runs from his four overs without taking a wicket.
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