Bhuvneshwar Kumar - A bit of luck and there will be no looking back

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

The most thrilling dimensions in modern day cricket are the uncertainty and the luck. By virtue of perfect timing, Mohammed Shami not only got a chance to showcase his talent, but was fortunate enough to make it count. What a memorable debut!

On the other hand, the equally talented and versatile Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has impressed one and all, has not been able to take many wickets recently. He has not done too well despite his unabated all out efforts. Every time he comes out to bowl, his countless fans silently offer prayers in their heart. They hope that he would strike and strike gold.

It is true that he has not been able to grab a substantial number of wickets in the recent times, but he has been sucessful in containing the run rate to a reasonable limit. I do not intend to advocate or justify the fact that he has not performed in line with his image, but he has not done too badly. Even the learned commentators and experts have opined that he is a real treasure and there is no dearth of talent. But destiny is perhaps playing its part.

His determination can be adjudged from the moment the captain hands over the ball to him. His efforts are meticulous. His body language syncronizes well, with the aim of getting the desired movement off the pitch. He gets everything right – a good action, perfect delivery stride, accuracy in terms of line and length – but he does not get much needed wickets.

I am a believer in his skills and think that once he has a good result oriented spell of 3-4 wickets, his confidence level will be boosted and then this unfortunate wicket back-log will be recouped. Its a matter of rhythm.

Another factor going in his favor is his batting. Surprisingly, his batting average in test matches is a decent 23 and in ODIs it is a fair 15.50. Even his bowling average in ODIs is a very decent 29. In T20s it is a remarkable 12.85!

However, since he has played only 5 tests and unfortunately could not do much, his bowling average remains 36.50, which is rather on the higher side. But keeping in view his potential and determination, duly supported by his skillful bowling, the possibilities for this right arm swing bowler are unlimited. He has already dismissed the prolific Chris Gayle many times. This calm and cool young man has got another record to his name – he is the first bowler who has taken his first three wickets as clean bowled.

Hopefully, he will further strengthen his physique, in order to maintain the quality of his bowling during long spells. He has carved out a distinct style of bowling and needs to continue focusing on swinging the ball.
He had also taken three wickets in his debut against Pakistan. Another interesting event was that he had bowled out Sachin Tendulkar on a duck in a first class match in 2008-2009.

All the above narrations suitably strengthen the belief that he is going to strike good in the coming days and will make a mark in test cricket.

I personally would like to highlight a humanitarian aspect of Bhuvneshwar Kumar as well – he had donated Rs. 1 lakh for the flood victims of Uttrakhand recently. We simply have to appreciate this sportsman spirit.