"My role has always been to take wickets, irrespective of conditions" - Bhuvneshwar Kumar Interview

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the young superstar of the Indian cricket team. He made his debut against Pakistan in both T20I and ODIs in December 2012 and came into limelight with his prodigious swing. He claimed his first T20 wicket in his first over and his first ODI wicket on his first delivery on debut. He later made his Test debut against Australia. The man from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh has been a regular for Uttar Pradesh Ranji team and now Pune Warriors Indian in IPL. He was recently in conversation with Sportskeeda. Here are the excerpts:

Despite having a good squad, where is Pune Warriors India going wrong?

We do have a good squad on paper, however it’s unfortunate we haven’t been able to click together as a side. We are still trying our best to get back in the tournament.

You stress more on swing or pace?

I concentrate more on swing, however I keep working on my pace too. For a bowler, both are essential.

With Praveen Kumar and Vinay Kumar back to full fitness, do you think you have a tough competition for your place in the side?

No, not really. I never try to compare (myself) to others. I do my job, which is bowling with full sincerity and dedication. I concentrate a lot on myself rather than wasting my energy thinking about things which are not in my hand. I am a very positive person.

You got your first ODI wicket with your first delivery on debut. How did it feel?

It was a great moment. It was my first match for India and that too against Pakistan. I had worked really hard and was confident of a good performance and I am glad I was able to do well. The moment will always remain as a wonderful memory.

Who has been your idol?

I don’t have any idol as such. However, I learnt a lot about bowling from Praveen Kumar as we are from the same city and used to practise together.

What is your role in the subcontinent where the pitches help spinners?

My role has always been to take wickets, irrespective of what kind of pitches I have to play on. In cricket wherever you are going to play, conditions are never going to be the same or to your advantage. I try to make the best out of everything.

Do you consider yourself as an all-rounder?

Well, at international level, it would be too early to say. I do work on my batting though and like batting too when given a chance. In today’s competitive cricket, it’s important to be good in all aspects of the game.

In front of Chris Gayle (in his innings of 175), you held your own. What was your plan while bowling to him in that form?

Well, there was no plan as such. I tried to bowl in the right areas and restrict him as much as possible.

How different is it playing in IPL compared to a T20I?

It’s a different feeling when you are playing for your country. There is a little pressure too. IPL has a different crowd and a different approach as we have to play for a franchise.

Next up is Champions Trophy in England where you are expected to be more lethal than spinners in the side. How excited are you?

There is still time for it and as I said, it’s always a great feeling and a privilege to play for India. I will try to bowl the best I can and take as many wickets as possible.