Cricket News

3 reasons why Bhuvneshwar Kumar must be picked for 2024 T20 World Cup

It has been over a year since Bhuvneshwar Kumar last donned the Indian Jersey, in a T20 International against New Zealand in Napier. He has not been selected for the upcoming series against South Africa, and it appears that the selectors have moved on from the 33-year-old. Inconsistent performances and fitness concerns have contributed to his fall. A long-time servant of Indian Cricket, his stocks have seen a huge fall in recent times and it is quite clear that other, younger players are now being preferred.

However, with a T20 World Cup approaching, there is growing sentiment among cricket experts that Bhuvi, as he is affectionately known, should be recalled by the Indian team. Several cricket experts have publicly advocated for Bhuvi’s return as India is to end a prolonged trophy-drought.

Here’s a look at 3 reasons as to why Bhuvneshwar should be in the mix for the marquee event in the United States and West Indies:

Adds depth to batting

The Indian Cricket Team has long struggled with batting depth, often relying on part-time all-rounders instead of specialized bowlers. This was evident in the recent ODI World Cup, where India had to omit Mohammad Shami to bolster their batting lineup. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s inclusion in the Indian team would add much-needed batting depth without compromising bowling strength. His all-round abilities would provide the team with greater flexibility and balance, making them a more formidable force in T20 cricket.

Current form

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been in scintillating form in recent times, showcasing his enduring quality and potential to contribute significantly to the Indian team. His exceptional bowling displays in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy serve as a stark reminder of his prowess. Kumar’s impressive performance in the tournament, where he picked up 16 wickets in just 7 matches, was a testament to his unwavering dedication and ability to deliver under pressure. His remarkable economy rate of 5.84 further highlights his ability to control the flow of runs and stifle the opposition’s batting lineup. With the upcoming T20 World Cup looming, Bhuvneshwar’s resurgence could not have come at a better time. His experience, skill, and temperament could be crucial factors in India’s quest for global glory.

Over 10 years of experience

Experience is an invaluable asset that cannot be acquired overnight. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with over a decade of international experience, possesses a wealth of knowledge that would be immensely beneficial to the Indian team in the upcoming T20 World Cup. His composure and ability to perform under pressure would be crucial in the high-stakes matches that characterize a global tournament. The recent struggles of young bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna have highlighted the need for experienced veterans like Bhuvneshwar to guide and mentor them. Bhuvneshwar’s calm demeanor and vast experience would provide a sense of stability and reassurance to the younger bowlers, allowing them to perform to their full potential.