Hindustan Times (Bathinda)

Pacer Bhuvneshwa­r credits success to sticking to basics

- Sharad Deep sharad.deep@hindustant­imes.com

RAIPUR: Till last season of the domestic T20 League, Bhuvneshwa­r Kumar was like any other player of Pune Warriors. But within a few months, things changed dramatical­ly, and the reason for it was his great showing in domestic and internatio­nal cricket.

In his last two seasons with the side, he got just 15 matches, including four in his first season in 2011. But this year, he has been the darling of the side.

“He (Bhuvi) has been a wonderful bowler and we find him a great human being too," said Steven Smith. “The way he has been bowling this season is amazing and I do believe that he will have a longer journey in Indian cricket,” added Smith, who was surprised by Bhuvi’s bowling during the recent India-Australia Test series.

ENJOYING THE SUCCESS

But all- round praise hasn’t changed the man in question. “I am happy the way things are going on and am enjoying it,” Bhuvneshwa­r said on Sunday. “This doesn't mean I should get overconfid­ent as every match brings different challenges. So I remain focused on the line and length of my deliveries.”

He, however, accepted that in T20, he pays more attention to bowling in the right areas.

“Nobody wants to bowl when Chris Gayle bats and his hammering against us at Bangalore was scary for the bowlers, but I stuck to the basics even while bowling to him,” he said. “That’s why I conceded just 23 runs in my four-over quota that day.”

He felt that sticking to the basics of swing bowling have contribute­d to his success so far. “I love to surprise rivals with my swinging deliveries, and even before Gayle I had done my homework,” said the 23-year-old.

DAREDEVILS WIN

Powered by a quickfire David Warner fifty, Delhi Daredevils beat Pune Warriors by 15 runs here on Sunday. The loss put PWI at the bottom of the table.

 ?? SUBHENDU GHOSH / HT PHOTO ?? Struggling to time the ball, Unmukt Chand tried this cheeky stroke that fetched him a four.
SUBHENDU GHOSH / HT PHOTO Struggling to time the ball, Unmukt Chand tried this cheeky stroke that fetched him a four.

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