Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Pace is not my forte, I focus on skills

Bhuvneshwar Kumar speaks about his strengths and weakness

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s rise through the ranks of Indian cricket has been nothing short of meteoric. According to many, the Indian pacer has become an integral part of India’s bowling in the past six months or so.

Talking to PTI, he stated that he is not worried about pace; instead, he is focussed on variations in his line and length.

“When I started playing cricket, I knew that my physique is not at all like a typical fast bowler. My body language is also different and I am not aggressive by nature, thus my focus was always on my skills,” reports NDTV.

“I don’t run after speed. Obviously, it will be better to have some more pace but I am very well aware that I can’t bowl with the speed of 150 kmph. I am working hard on my technique and variations,” said the bowler, who is enjoying an off-season in his hometown Meerut.

In the last Champions Trophy held in England, Kumar picked up six wickets and as a result was selected in the Best XI of the tournament.

He followed up his good form in the tri-series in West Indies where he picked up the Man of the Series award. When asked about his off season training, he said he is working on his fitness and skills.

“Next season is going to be very hectic so I am utilising this break to work on my fitness and sharpen my skills. I am doing a lot of gym (work) and the stint in NCA has been very beneficial,” he said.

“I am working on my swing and yorkers. It is also necessary to mould according to the forma, like you have to bowl differently in ODIs and Test matches,” he added. There will be pressure on him considering his fine form but he is not worried about the upcoming South Africa tour as of now.

“There is no additional pressure. I will bowl with the same intensity. The South Africa tour is at the end of this year. Before that we have to play a series against Australia and then with West Indies. I am keeping my eyes on those right now,” he said.

Many experts feel he is ready to lead the Indian pace attack and replace Zaheer Khan, but he has a completely different view about that.

“Zaheer has vast experience and is a great bowler. Nobody can replace him. As far as I am concerned, my priority is to perform well and win matches for India. Our pace department is very well balanced and there is a healthy competition which is good for the team,” he concluded.