Bhuvneshwar will play a key role for India in the 2019 World Cup: Madan Lal

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be one of India’s mainstay going into the 2019 world cup. Kumar bowled quite well in the 1st ODI against Australia. Defending 164 from 21 overs, Kumar had to switch to the T20 mode and he delivered well, ending his four overs for 1/25. Australia were restricted to 137/9 in 21 overs and that earned them a vital lead of 1-0 in the 5-match series.

The 27-year old pacer has picked up 76 ODI wickets from 72 matches and has also bagged 17 wickets from 18 games. He has recently picked up a 5-wicket haul against Sri Lanka and is looking good to continue his job. India will need Kumar got provide some early blows, which he is capable of.

“Wicket-taking has to be the priority against Australia, and Bhuvneshwar is one bowler who has the capability to produce such balls at the right times,” remarked former India batsman Pravin Amre.

“He’s got many variations up his sleeve, and he’ll definitely play a key role in the second ODI, and even in the 2019 World Cup. He’s put in a lot of work and it shows. He tailored himself into a death bowler when India needed one,” pointed out former India all-rounder Madan Lal.

More matured with time

“He has the action, variations, and everything else going for him. But his increased maturity is what is translating into better results. Not to mention that level of experience allows him to make the ball do his bidding at will. I was with him during an India A tour in Australia, eight years ago. I observed him during a few Ranji Trophy matches as well, and I felt that he was wasting his batting talent,” elaborates Amre.

“He’s always done well for Uttar Pradesh, even with the bat. He came into the Indian team as a bowler and hence his focus was only on that. But I’m glad that he’s working on his batting. He can be a good all-rounder for Team India, and that’s good news for any captain.” he added.