India v New Zealand, 1st Test: India Predicted XI

Bhuvneshwar Kumar:

With Ishant Sharma pulling out due to an illness, the onus will fall on Bhuvneshwar Kumar to lead the Indian pace attack. The 26-year old made a startling comeback in the third Test in the West Indies tour and impressed with a five-wicket haul.

Although Kumar has indeed performed such roles in the past, it seems somewhat clear that this role would be quite different compared to what he does for the team in the ODIs.

That said, Kumar’s ability to swing the ball both ways also is something important as well as something he will strive to work on in the first Test. The Green Park wicket is expected to reverse swing given its dry nature and who better than Bhuvi to use it to the best effect.