Former Indian spinner and commentator Ravi Ashwin has reckoned that there is some struggle over the Indian pace bowling attack and he went on to add that it’s worth considering a pacer like Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Notably, Bhuvneshwar Kumar had two excellent IPL seasons. The veteran pacer bagged 45 wickets from last 30 IPL games at an average of 21.87 and an economy of 8.56, playing a pivotal role in RCB lifting two consecutive titles.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin has asserted that he wasn’t too convinced with the current Indian pace battery, adding that someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar should get his chances as he can swing the new ball and give the Indian team some good enough overs in the death.
“Why not? The way our fast bowling stocks are right now, there is some struggle there. I think it is worth considering Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Why can you not consider him? There is only one difference between Shami and Bhuvneshwar. Bhuvi has been able to put himself on the park for two seasons together for RCB and has been able to keep himself fit. Both teams RCB won the title, and he was also among the top three reasons for that. He looks fit enough. I am not saying to take him straightaway, but at least give him a chance and then decide. He can swing the ball, give you overs at the death and bat a bit as well. He has a lot of batting ability,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.
“Just because of the pure inexperience of the bowling attack, you can keep him in consideration. Gurnoor, Prasidh, and Prince- is that the bowling you want to play in a World Cup? I am not too sure. You can have one or two from these. Apart from that, you have Harshit and Bumrah. So with Bhuvneshwar, experience and youth will work well,” he added.
Furthermore, Ashwin has advised the Indian team management, headed by Gautam Gambhir, to identify the team’s top four or five pacers and give them ample amount of opportunities ahead of the mega event.
“It is not the time to develop players now with 12 months to go. You gave Harshit an opportunity, and it is important to know his status now as he bats at eight. Gurnoor and Prasidh got opportunities. But you cannot remove them and bring more bowlers now. It is important to identify who your four or five pacers are, out of which you will take three for the World Cup. That is why you must have someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar in discussions as well,” Ashwin concluded.
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