IPL 2024: ‘I was detached from the result’ – Bhuvneshwar Kumar after last-over heroics after win against RR

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s experienced seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar said he was detached from the result after he defended 13 runs against Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad on Thursday. Kumar conceded 11 runs and plumbed Rovman Powell on the last delivery when two runs were needed.

Kumar returned with impressive figures of 4-41 in his quota of four overs as he played a key role in his team’s one-run win. Earlier in the innings, Kumar got rid of Jos Buttler and RR captain Sanju Samson as both the right-handers were dismissed without troubling the scorers.

“I told everyone process is very important,” Bhuveshwar said after the game. “I was literally thoughtless, I was not thinking about the result. I was just trying to do what I can do.”

Because of the slow over-rate, SRH had to keep an extra fielder in the 30-yard circle but Kumar backed his strength to deliver the goods for the team.

“I knew if I could bowl just two good balls, and if it went to the last ball, anything could happen,” he said. “It was a full toss, I know, but he missed it.

“I was not thinking about the one extra fielder up, or whatever the restriction was there, I was so detached from the result. I wasn’t thinking about where the fielder is, where he is going to hit, where I’m gonna bowl, I was so focused on the process, that was the only thing I was doing.”

Kumar was able to get the swing in the first couple of overs, which has always been his strength. The veteran seamer was able to execute his plans with the new ball.

“It was the first match the ball swung so much,” he pointed out. “I can’t really pinpoint where the ball swung last, but the way it swung I literally enjoyed it. When it swings, you are always on top of the game, you try to take wickets and luckily, I got wickets.”

Sunrisers Hyderabad will next take on Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Monday.