Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Role: Bowler

Batting Style: Right Handed Bat

Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium

Country: India

Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Player profile for Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is an Indian cricketer known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, his excellent control, and his consistent performances as a fast bowler. A key figure in India’s bowling attack, particularly in limited-overs cricket, Bhuvneshwar has been recognized for his skills in the powerplay and death overs. He has also been an integral part of India’s success in international cricket, playing crucial roles in several memorable matches.

Personal Information:

  • Full Name: Bhuvneshwar Kumar
  • Date of Birth: February 5, 1990
  • Place of Birth: Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
  • Batting Style: Right-handed
  • Bowling Style: Right-arm medium-fast
  • Role: Bowler (Fast Bowler)

Early Life and Domestic Career:

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was born and raised in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. He was inspired by the swing bowling of Indian legends like Kapil Dev and Zaheer Khan. He started his cricket journey by playing at the local level, and his talent was soon noticed in age-group cricket. Bhuvneshwar’s domestic debut came with Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy in 2007, where he showcased his skills as a swing bowler, quickly making a name for himself.

His ability to move the ball both ways in conditions that favored seam and swing bowling caught the eye of national selectors. He soon became a key player for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket, and his performances there earned him a spot in the Indian national team.

International Debut:

  • ODI Debut: January 21, 2013, against Pakistan
  • T20I Debut: December 25, 2012, against Pakistan
  • Test Debut: February 22, 2013, against Australia

Bhuvneshwar’s early success with the ball in both ODIs and T20Is helped him cement his spot in the national team. He made an immediate impact with his ability to swing the ball and bowl in the powerplay overs.

Playing Style and Strengths:

  • Bowling: Bhuvneshwar Kumar is best known for his swing bowling. He can move the ball both ways, which makes him highly effective in the powerplay overs of limited-overs cricket. His ability to bowl in swinging conditions has also made him a valuable asset in overseas tours, especially in countries like England, South Africa, and New Zealand.
  • Accuracy: Apart from swing, Bhuvneshwar’s strength lies in his accuracy and the ability to bowl consistent lines and lengths. He is often seen maintaining pressure on the batsman by restricting boundaries and picking up key wickets in the early stages of the game.
  • Death Overs: Though primarily known for his swing, Bhuvneshwar has also worked on his skills in the death overs, where he bowls yorkers and slower balls effectively. His ability to bowl at the death, particularly in T20 cricket, has made him a key asset for India in limited-overs formats.

Notable Performances:

  1. 2013 ICC Champions Trophy: Bhuvneshwar Kumar was a standout performer for India in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he bowled with great control and accuracy. His spell in the final against England helped India win the tournament, with Bhuvneshwar taking crucial wickets in the early overs.
  2. 2014 IPL: Bhuvneshwar was one of the key bowlers for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL, taking wickets in the powerplay and at the death. He has been consistently one of the top performers for SRH, helping them win the 2016 IPL title.
  3. 2018 Asia Cup: Bhuvneshwar Kumar played a vital role in India’s victory in the 2018 Asia Cup, particularly in the final, where his disciplined bowling helped India dominate Sri Lanka.
  4. 2019 ICC World Cup: Bhuvneshwar Kumar was a key member of India’s bowling attack in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. His ability to swing the ball and take wickets in the early overs was critical to India’s strong performances.

IPL Career:

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been one of the most consistent bowlers in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has played for various teams, including Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). His bowling in the powerplay and death overs has made him one of the most sought-after bowlers in the IPL.

  • Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Bhuvneshwar has been a cornerstone of SRH’s bowling attack, and he played a crucial role in their 2016 IPL title win. He is known for his ability to bowl accurate yorkers and has been a key bowler for SRH in the death overs.
  • IPL Records: He has taken multiple four-wicket hauls and is known for his consistency in picking wickets at crucial stages of the game.

Injuries and Comebacks:

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has faced a few injuries throughout his career, particularly with his back and hamstrings. These injuries have sometimes sidelined him for extended periods, but he has consistently made comebacks, showcasing his resilience and ability to return to form.

Recent Career and Future:

Bhuvneshwar Kumar continues to be a key player for India in limited-overs cricket. His swing bowling and ability to control the game make him an invaluable asset in the team, especially in the powerplay and death overs. His experience and versatility allow him to adapt to various formats and conditions, making him one of the most reliable bowlers for India.

Personal Life:

  • Family: Bhuvneshwar Kumar is married to Nupur Nagar, and they tied the knot in 2017.
  • Interests: Outside of cricket, Bhuvneshwar is known to enjoy a quiet and simple lifestyle. He is also passionate about football and follows the sport closely.

Awards and Achievements:

  • ICC Champions Trophy 2013: Part of the winning squad.
  • Multiple IPL Purple Caps: Bhuvneshwar has won the Purple Cap (awarded to the highest wicket-taker) in the IPL for his exceptional bowling performances.
  • Arjuna Award (2018): Bhuvneshwar Kumar was honored with the Arjuna Award for his exceptional contribution to Indian cricket.

Conclusion:

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of India’s most reliable and skillful bowlers, especially in limited-overs cricket. Known for his swing, accuracy, and ability to perform in pressure situations, he has been a vital part of India’s success over the years. Despite facing injury setbacks, Bhuvneshwar’s resilience and skill have kept him as one of the top fast bowlers in the world. He remains an essential player for India and continues to be a key asset in both the IPL and international cricket.