'Will be a huge plus' - Sunil Gavaskar bats for Bhuvneshwar Kumar's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad

Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has backed pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to be in the India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia, saying that it will be a huge plus for the team to have him in Australia. Gavaskar stated that he was also impressed with Bhuvneshwar’s bowling in the ongoing India versus South Africa home T20I series, adding that he “thoroughly enjoyed” the pacer’s performance.

The former India captain lauded Bhuvneshwar for his ability to swing the white ball and reckons that he would come in handy on Australian surfaces which provide more carry and bounce. He further highlighted how the pacer dismissed Reeza Hendricks, in the second T20I with an inswinger after recognising the batter’s struggles. Kumar ended with supreme bowling figures of 4/13 runs in four overs. 

Sunil Gavaskar lauded Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s brilliant control and execution

“When Reeza Hendricks was on strike, he knew he struggles against the inswinger. He got one right and knocked him over. The white ball doesn’t swing that much, in the air or off the surface, but he has got that capability,” said Gavaskar on Star Sports, speaking of Kumar’s bowling in the second T20I. And that is why it was very good captaincy from Rishabh Pant to give him that third over in which he got a wicket as well,” said Gavaskar on Star Sports.

Gavaskar also spoke about how the Indian seamer set up Dwaine Pretorius with a knuckleball, which drew a mistimed shot from the South African and he eventually got caught at backward square leg by Avesh Khan. He also picked up the big wicket of Rassie van der Dussen later on with a length ball that nipped back into the batter around the off-stump line to knock him over. “Dwaine Pretorius walked in next and he decided to take him on, but is knocked out with the knuckleball. Just brilliant control and execution,” explained the former India captain.

“To have someone like him in Australia, where there will that little bit more carry and bounce, I think that will be a huge plus,” said the 72-year-old further. Though India had a forgettable second T20I against the Proteas, Kumar’s performance was a positive as he showed a lot of promise and skill while other India bowlers struggled. India, after trailing 2-0 to South Africa in the five-match series, will play the third game in Visakhapatnam on June 14 (Tuesday).