After impressing with the ball in the recently concluded series against Pakistan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar showed that he can chip in with the bat as well, in the first ODI against England. Since his international debut, the one thing that has stood out is the young pacer’s ability to remain calm under pressure and hold his nerve in tense situations. Although India kept losing wickets at regular intervals while chasing 326, the youngster put up a fight with the bat. Though he did not get a wicket today, Kumar scored an unbeaten 16-ball 20 to take the match to a close finish.
While talking to bcci.tv after the game, Kumar said that he has been contributing with the willow in the domestic circuit lower down the order as well.
Excerpts from his interview:
On his never-say-die attitude
A player plays to win. Unfortunately, we lose sometimes. We lost today but we won the last game and would have liked to carry forward the momentum. It was a close game but unfortunately we lost.
On his contributions with the bat in the domestic circuit
I play the role of an all-rounder in the domestic circuit. I bat in the domestic circuit at No.6 or 7 so am used to batting.
On whether they felt they could chase down the total when he was batting with Ravichandran Ashwin
When Ashwin and I were batting we were confident that if we play till the end that the match will be close and that happened. Unfortunately Ashwin got out but there was still some hope but then we lost unfortunately.
On his bowling in this match
The wicket was better for batting but tried to keep it tight while bowling, but gave runs later on. It happens it is part of the game.
On whether Yuvraj Singh who played in the NatWest Series final where India chased down a similar target at Lords gave him any advice
No, he didn’t say anything. No matter how big the target we are always hopeful of chasing it. If that had happened we would have obviously been very happy. If we had won history would have been repeated.
Everyone wants to win and is inspired; sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, it is part of the game.
On their strategy while chasing
When you look at a score like this it is a little difficult. But there are 50 overs, so if you play till the end there is a chance. And there is a powerplay in between as well so it is easy for the batsmen to accelerate then; so the strategy was to play as long as possible and take it is as close as we can.
On putting up an impressive performances since his debut
It is a dream come true for me. Fortunately, I have performed well so far. I always try to play well for the team and luckily for me that is happening.
On whether having his Uttar Pradesh captain Suresh Raina in Team India helps
Yes obviously, we have known each other for a long time so he keeps boosting me. He is an experienced player so keeps advising and guiding me so that helps.
