Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Brilliant Fast-Medium Bowler

Bhuvneshwar Kumar made his India debut in 2012, quickly becoming the solution to India’s fast-bowling woes. Despite being less quick, his ability to swing the ball both ways and his deadly inswinger set him apart. He made an immediate impact, dismissing Nasir Jamshed in his first T20I over, bowling Mohammad Hafeez in his first ODI delivery, and contributing to India’s first-ever whitewash in a four-Test series against Australia in 2013.

Early Career and Domestic Success

Bhuvneshwar’s rise in cricket started early. At just 19, he bowled Sachin Tendulkar out for his first duck in domestic first-class cricket during the 2008-09 Ranji Trophy final. His all-round abilities were evident as well, with a notable 128 runs batting at No. 8 in the 2012-13 Duleep Trophy semi-final. He quickly earned a reputation as a bowler who could consistently hit the right line and length.

International Career: Early Promise and Setbacks

During India’s 2014 tour of England, Bhuvneshwar was one of the few bright spots, taking 19 wickets, including a match-winning 6 for 82 at Lord’s. However, a significant ankle injury during India’s 2014-15 tour of Australia limited his appearances. He managed just one game in the 2015 ODI World Cup. While he returned with more pace, he couldn’t quite regain his pre-injury form. Still, he claimed two five-wicket hauls in 2016, against West Indies and New Zealand, before injuries again led to fewer Test appearances, with his last series coming against South Africa in 2018.

White-Ball Cricket: Bhuvneshwar’s Niche

White-ball cricket became Bhuvneshwar’s forte. In 2013, just six months into his ODI career, he recorded 4 for 8 against Sri Lanka in a tri-series game in the Caribbean, finishing as the leading wicket-taker. His partnership with Jasprit Bumrah in 2017 became deadly, and Bhuvneshwar developed slower balls and yorkers that made him India’s go-to bowler at the death. In 2018, he became only the second Indian bowler after Yuzvendra Chahal to take five wickets in a T20I, and in 2022, he topped it by taking 5 for 4 against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup.

IPL Success with Sunrisers Hyderabad

Bhuvneshwar’s IPL journey mirrored his success in white-ball cricket. He was initially picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2009 but didn’t feature in the tournament for two years. After moving to Pune Warriors, he struggled but found success with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2014. Quickly becoming their key bowler, he rose through the ranks as the leader of their powerplay and death bowling. Bhuvneshwar was instrumental in SRH’s only IPL title in 2016, winning the Purple Cap for two consecutive years, in 2016 and 2017. Though his performances tapered off in later seasons, he remains SRH’s all-time leading wicket-taker.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar IPL Factfile

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014 and became their main bowler.
• He won the Purple Cap in 2016 and 2017, playing a crucial role in SRH’s success.
• Bhuvneshwar was key in SRH’s only IPL title in 2016, contributing both in the powerplay and death overs.
• He was initially signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2009 but had limited involvement in the early seasons.

Conclusion: A Key Member of India’s Attack

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has proven himself as a key member of India’s fast-bowling attack and a reliable allrounder. His variations in pace, swing, and mastery of line and length have made him one of the most skilled fast bowlers in modern cricket. Whether in international cricket or the IPL, Bhuvneshwar’s contributions have been invaluable, and he continues to play a crucial role in India’s success.