Ind vs Eng 2021: Always good to contribute to team’s win – Bhuvneshwar Kumar

India’s experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has made an impressive return to International cricket as he scalped four wickets in the five-match series against England. More importantly, the fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh conceded his runs at an economy rate of 6.39 in the series, which was the best for any bowler.

Kumar was at his absolute best when most of the bowlers took a hammering in the final deciding T20I on Saturday. The swing fast bowler provided the early breakthrough as he took the crucial wicket of Jason Roy with an in-ducker.

Subsequently, Bhuvneshwar once again created pressure with his dot balls and forced Jos Buttler to play a big shot against him. Kumar got the important wicket of well-settled Buttler, who was taking the game away from India along with Dawid Malan. The pair had already 130 runs for the second wicket and they were keeping England in the run-chase of 225.

Kumar scalped two wickets in his four-overs spell and conceded only 15 runs in the four-overs spell. In fact, he bowled four wides in his four-overs quota. Thus, he conceded his runs at an economy rate of 3.80 and bowled 17 dot balls in his spell. Kumar played a crucial role in India’s win of 36 runs and he was also awarded the Player of the Match.

Thus, the 31-year-old has made a roaring comeback after his injury layoff. The swing master had last played in IPL but represented Uttar Pradesh in the domestic circuit (Vijay Hazare Trophy) before the series and that gave him a lot of confidence. Kumar was happy to contribute to the team’s success in the crucial decider of the series on Saturday.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar said in the post-match presentation, “Always good to be back. Always good to contribute to the team’s win. All good body-wise. Was confident because I played the domestic matches. When you get a wicket in the first over with the inswingers, always gives you joy and confidence”.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s good comeback was one of the biggest positives for the Indian team after he made his return from injury. Kumar is going to be a pivotal cog in India’s wheel for the T20 World Cup. The fast bowler must also have gained a lot of confidence after his good performance against England.

Bhuvneshwar will aim to continue the same form in the ODI series against England, which will take place at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium from March 23, Pune behind closed doors.