Bhuvneshwar Will Be A Huge Plus For India In T20 WC In Aus: Sunil Gavaskar

Mumbai: Ex-India captain Sunil Gavaskar said Bhuvneshwar Kumar was “brilliant” against South Africa in the second T20I. Bhuvneshwar Kumar made a sensational performance in the second T20I of the five-match series in Cuttack.

He gave India a perfect start to defend their total by dismissing opener Reeza Hendrix with a fine inswinger in her very first over. In his next over, he dismissed Dwayne Pretorius with a knuckleball and he returned to dismiss Rasie van der Dussen for just one run for his final over in the powerplay. Also Read: Klaasen Targeted Spinners Well, His Execution Was Very Good: Shreyas

Bhuvneshwar’s 3 for 10 with the new ball left South Africa wounded at 29 for three at the end of the powerplay. This was the first time in 10 years that Bhuvneshwar picked three wickets in the powerplay. His last was against Pakistan in Bengaluru back in 2012.

“He was just outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was good thinking…and skill-level as well. When Reeza Hendricks was on strike, he knew he struggles against the inswinger. He got one right and knocked him over. Dwaine Pretorius walked in next and he decide to take him on but is knocked out with the knuckleball. Just brilliant control and execution,” said former South Africa captain Graeme Smith on Star Sports after the match.

In his final over, Bhuvneshwar dismissed Wayne Parnell for just one run. And despite his efforts, India had to face defeat by 4 wickets for 13 runs. But Gavaskar lauded the veteran’s performance in the game and explained why he will be a big plus for India in the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia.

“He was just brilliant. The white ball doesn’t swing that much, in the air or off the surface, but he has got that capability. 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. Because after that the ball wouldn’t have moved that much as well and Bhuvneshwar would have been ineffective. But to have someone like him in Australia, where there will that little bit of more carry and bounce, I think that will be a huge plus,” he said.

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