Bhuvneshwar Kumar admits finding back his rhythm: The Indian pacer sounded of confidence regarding his own form after fourth ODI.
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Despite India losing the fourth ODI against New Zealand by 8 wickets, India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar insisted on the crushing defeat not affecting the team’s morale. Speaking during the post-match press conference, Bhuvneshwar said that ‘such matches’ don’t disappoint the players.
“These kind of matches happen once in a while. If you look at the kind of cricket we are playing in the last few months, playing some very good cricket,” Bhuvneshwar was quoted as saying.
The Indian batsmen got bundled out for 92, something you don’t expect from them after winning three consecutive matches in the series. While the batsmen struggled to cope up with the swing, Bhuvneshwar also said that the pitch behaved in a contrasting manner.
“We were surprised. If you look at the wicket, it shouldn’t have played the way it played. That’s how this game is. It’s very unpredictable. What you predict, it doesn’t usually happen,” Bhuvneshwar said.
That being said, he denied the Indian batsmen finding it difficult to play swing bowling. Highlighting India’s recent ODI record in South Africa and Australia, Bhuvneshwar believed that the Kiwi bowlers bowled really well on the given day.
“We’ve played in England, South Africa and Australia and done pretty well. Rather than saying we played well, I must say that they [New Zealand bowlers] bowled really well. They bowled some unplayable balls and outplayed us,” the 28-year old cricketer added.
In 14 ODIs last year, Bhuvneshwar picked up 11 wickets at an average of 48.81, an economy rate of 5.31 and a strike rate of 55. Below par numbers in association with a few injuries had started putting questions on Bhuvneshwar. However, he has come back strongly this year, picking up 14 wickets in seven matches at an average of 19.42, an economy rate of 4.94 and a strike rate of 23.5.
Being asked about his rhythm, Bhuvneshwar said that he believes he has found it back but laid more importance of dismissing the opposition batsmen.
“It [rhythm] is back. But more importantly, I am getting the wickets. If you are among the wickets, there is always that confidence which you can carry in the next few matches. So yes, rhythm is back and pace is almost there where I want,” he further added.
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