Murali rates Bhuvi as the best pacer in IPL history

bengaluru — Complimenting Bhuvneshwar Kumar for his ability to stop run flow during slog overs, former Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan on Monday hailed the Indian paceman as one of the best bowlers in IPL history.

“Over the last four-five years that I have been seeing him, he is the best bowler in IPL history. He bowls two overs in the Powerplay and two at the death and his economy rate is so low,” Muralitharan said.

“Unfortunately he has not played much T20 cricket for India. He will be a very big prospect for India as well, in these conditions or in any conditions. Hopefully, people will realise that. He is one of the most successful bowlers in IPL history as a fast bowler.”

On Kumar conceding 19 runs in the penultimate over against Pune, Muralitharan said when someone like MS Dhoni strikes the ball when in form, there is not much a bowler can do.

“That was Dhoni’s day, it happens. Every bowler cannot go quiet every time. Dhoni is such a class player ... Ten runs went off Bhuvneshwar of very good yorkers. It happens in cricket,” he said.

Asked whether he was surprised by Dhoni’s removal as Pune captain, Muralitharan said it is owners’ decision and he does not have much to comment upon.

“It is not for me to judge that but he is a world-class captain. We cannot comment. It is all about the decision the owners take. I don’t know what the story is,” he said.

Talking about the impact of spin on T20, Muralitharan said spinners have done well in every IPL and there should not be any comparison between spinners and fast bowlers since many teams give more chance to pacers.

On Afghanistan spinners including Rashid Khan, Muralitharan said they are brilliant and will take IPL experience into international games.

“The spinners from Afghanistan including Rashid have done brilliantly. They have delivered more than what we expected,” he said.