ICC World Cup 2019 | Our performance on the field will define our bowling attack, says Bhuvneshwar Kumar

ICC World Cup 2019 | Our performance on the field will define our bowling attack, says Bhuvneshwar Kumar

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Bhuvneshwar Kumar has stated that India’s bowling attack will be defined by its performance in the World Cup in England and Wales starting on May 30. India have gone ahead with a three-pronged pace attack comprising of Bhuvneshwar, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, apart from the reserve options.

The Indian side has traditionally been a weak bowling side but things have changed in the last few years. India now have an extremely potent attack with the number one ranked Jasprit Bumrah in the team along with Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Add to that the fast bowling all-rounders in Hardik Pandya and Vijay Shankar are also there in the World Cup squad. India’s bench strength is also very strong with the likes of Navdeep Saini and Ishant Sharma named as reserves while four net bowlers Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini, Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed will travel with the team for the World Cup in the United Kingdom. Bhuvneshwar, who will feature in his second World Cup, feels that the performance of the bowlers will speak for them.

“I don't want to comment on whether we are the best or not because our performance on the field is what will define our attack. Our performances over the last few years speak for us. The Indian bowling attack has grown from strength to strength. Today, we can say that our pace attack can make an impact on any surface,” he said in an interview, reported TNN.

“I agree that pitches in England in the last few years have been flat, but teams will be wary of India's bowling unit since we can be potent both at the start and at the death. It will all boil down to how we execute the plans on the given day."

Jasprit Bumrah is regarded as one of the finest bowlers in the death overs whereas Mohammed Shami has evolved into an extremely potent bowler in the shorter formats. The Bengal bowler only played five ODIs in the past two years but was drafted back into the limited overs squad this year and has picked 19 wickets in 11 games at an average of 26.42. He was particularly very effective in the death overs. Bhuvneshwar has also been a proven performer both at the Indian Premier League and the international level. The Uttar Pradesh cricketer pointed out that every bowler who got a chance in the playing XI has been excellent.

“Each one of us has our own strengths that we bring to the bowling unit. It is always a good thing that whoever is getting a chance in the playing XI has been performing well. As a bowling unit - we back ourselves to do well on any condition,” the 29-year-old expressed.

“I don't think so (I have struggled in death overs). If you see in the last few games of the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad, I was able to execute my plans and that's a very good sign. I am happy with the way things are going at the moment.”

The final of the cash-rich league was played on May 12 and India will play its first warm-up game of the quadrennial event on May 25 against New Zealand. This had made people talk about the workload management of the Indian players, especially the pacers. Eventually, none of the three pacers took a break in any of the games during the league. Bhuvneshwar feels that the IPL has given the players match practice ahead of the marquee event.

“IPL has definitely given players the much-needed match practice before the World Cup. Once you have wickets and runs under your belt, the confidence levels automatically go up. For me, it was important to be in good rhythm and be among wickets which I was able to do for Sunrisers Hyderabad. I think each player is aware of what he needs to do to be in the best shape for the World Cup. The IPL gave players crucial time on the field playing competitive cricket that should stand them in good stead ahead for the big event.” the Meerut born player explained.

“There has definitely been an improvement in my bowling in terms of pace and variations like the slower ball and knuckle ball. To add to that, I have improved fitness-wise."

The pacer had bamboozled batsmen with his knuckle deliveries in the previous season of IPL but the batsmen have now adapted to it. Bhuvneshwar feels that the bowlers need to be smarter with their variations.

“Batsmen are definitely aware of bowlers who bowl the knuckle ball and are prepared for it. But it also gives us opportunity as a bowler to be smarter while delivering the ball.

“I have always enjoyed bowling in England because there is some swing around, which is my strength. Unlike in India, pitches in England don't usually get slower as the game progresses. So depending on whether the ball is moving or not, I make my plans,” he signed off.

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