In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, a single over can change the course of a match. This was evident on Sunday night in Delhi, where Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled an impressive over for Delhi Capitals (DC) as they navigated a challenging pitch. His expertise was on full display in the 17th over, as he dismissed KL Rahul, who is often relied upon to anchor the innings, and Ashutosh Sharma, known for his quick scoring in the closing stages. Anil Kumble aptly remarked, “Bhuvi had the perfect answer.”
Reflecting on Bhuvneshwar’s performance, Kumble stated on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show, “He’s always been very special as a bowler. Whichever team he has played for, he picks up wickets in the powerplay; he’s learnt the tricks of the trade needed in the back end, and he’s very consistent.” Discussing the Delhi pitch, Kumble further praised Bhuvneshwar’s ability to maintain pressure on the opposition. “On a surface like this, he bowled the perfect second spell. The crucial wicket of KL Rahul was key to thwarting DC’s plans to accelerate towards the end,” he added.
Bhuvneshwar is known for his consistency more than celebrity, a trait reiterated by Kumble. Though not currently in the international spotlight at 35, he remains a reliable option in white-ball formats. Throughout the current IPL season, he has consistently supported standout performers like Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya. With 12 wickets from nine matches and an economy rate of 8.35, Bhuvneshwar’s subtle contributions are invaluable. He’s only had one wicketless game this season and has largely avoided costly overs except for matches against Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals.
In Sunday’s match, as DC appeared poised to surpass the eventual total of 162, Bhuvneshwar disrupted their plans. He delivered a pivotal ball to Rahul on the second delivery of the 17th over—scrambled seam, pitched up. Rahul’s attempt to hit it over was caught out in the deep. Moments later on the fifth ball, Ashutosh faced a slower leg-cutter and was outdone by its pace, resulting in his dismissal. Bhuvneshwar closed with figures of 3 for 33.
Analysing Bhuvneshwar’s effectiveness, Wasim Jaffer noted, “I think the two or three variations that he has… the yorker is absolutely spot on; the way Bhuvi bowls he hardly gives any width; and he uses that hard-length delivery which surprises the batters.”
Bhuvneshwar’s subtle but skilful contributions continue to make a definitive impact in the league, reminding everyone of the art of precision and control in T20 cricket.
