Bhuvneshwar Kumar could be a key bowler against Sri Lanka: Sourav Ganguly

The former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly believes Bhuvneshwar Kumar could play a major role in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Kolkata. The three-match series is all set to commence on November 16 at the iconic Eden Gardens. India whitewashed the team from island nation last time they locked horns in their own den. However, the visitors would be eager to playback the favour and would look to compete hard over the next few weeks.

Bhuvneshwar scalped a five-wicket haul last year when India played New Zealand at the same ground. The surface, since being relaid, assists the fast bowlers as there is always a tinge of green on it. This time around too it is expected that the bowlers will be able to extract something from the pitch if they bowl in right areas. Bhuvi becomes even more lethal when the wicket suits him and he has proved it more than once in his career.

Bhuvi will be difficult to tackle

Sourav Ganguly opines that Bhuvi could have a major say in the upcoming Test match and is hoping that the pitch would help pacers right through the game. “The ball will swing and Bhuvi will be very difficult to tackle on this track which may have a tinge of green. He swings the ball both ways and he could be a key bowler,” he told mid-day during the inaugural function of Jagmohan Dalmiya conclave.

He also said that he would play three fast bowlers on the Eden wicket to bundle out Sri Lanka twice and take the lead in the series. “I’d play three pacemen on this track. Mohammed Shami will be the hit-the-deck bowler while Umesh Yadav’s pace will be important too,” Ganguly added. The visitors have never won a Test match in the country and have visited India after a long gap of eight years. Only, Rangana Herath and Angelo Mathews have played a Test in the country before which means the task ahead is a tough one for them.