‘Bhuvi developed new tricks, has evolved this year’
champions Sunrisers Hyderabad are one of the rare outfits in the IPL who appear to give more importance to bowling. It can be seen in the make-up of SRH. Their success is in equal measure due to their incisive bowling as it is due to the top-order’s consistent displays.
There is a clear, clever pattern in the bowlers SRH have gone for. They have medium-pacers who rely on control and variety. In the spin department too, they have trusted on two rookies from Afghanistan. It’s all been great value for money.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar sits atop the list of wicket-takers with 25 scalps, leg-spinner Rashid Khan has 17 wickets in 13 games, and the unsung domestic bowler Siddharth Kaul has 16 in 9. Young Mohammed Siraj has chipped in at crucial junctures (10 wickets in six games) and offspinner Mohammad Nabi has been most economical in the limited opportunities he got.
What’s been most impressive is the depth in their squad. Ashish Nehra and Mustfizur Rahman, their two top names, have hardly contributed.
Bhuvneshwar is relishing the responsibility of performing when the pressure is on. Captain David Warner uses him during powerplays and the death. Except by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, he is yet to be targeted.
Coach Tom Moody is effusive in his praise of his strike bowler. “Bhuvi has shown that he’s not only one of India’s best T20 bowlers but one of the leading bowlers in world cricket. Just look at what he’s done in conditions that are challenging for fast bowlers. He has shown consistency from last year to this year.
“Bhuvi has come to this year’s tournament with a few more tricks up his sleeve. That’s important; if you don’t evolve as a T20 player you’re going to be left behind quickly,” said Moody.
Kaul has stepped into Nehra’s shoes. An underrated domestic performer for Punjab, Kaul has been a revelation.
“They’ve (Kaul and Siraj) done well. Kaul has been with us for a couple of years. He’s been patient with his opportunity and he’s deserved that opportunity. When the time was right, we knew he was a bowler who could step up.
“Kaul is a quality player, a very fine player, an asset to our team and squad. Through that patience and hard work he’s delivered for us in the last game.”