Seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's lacklustre performances in the end overs are disrupting India's plans for the T20 World CupOn August 28, when Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 4-26 to play a key role in India's thrilling five-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup at Dubai, few thought that, with just a month left before their 2022 T20 World Cup opener against the same opponents, India's sole 'T20 specialist' bowler would become a source of one of India's biggest worries.
In three out of India's last four matches, Bhuvneshwar has been taken to the cleaners in the penultimate over. Everything that he has tried-yorker, wide yorker, slower ball, knuckle ball or a bouncer, has failed, as he has ended up becoming cannon fodder for batsmen waiting to pounce on his friendly medium pace.
OUT OF FORM: India skipper Rohit Sharma (left) won't be pleased with Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recent efforts.In the Super 4 game of the Asia Cup, Pakistan needed 26 off 2 overs, when the 32-year-old conceded 19 in the 19th over, eventually finishing with 0-40 in 4 overs.
In India's next Super 4 game of the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka needed 21 of 2 overs, when Bhuveshwar went for 14 in the 19th over. This time, the experienced campaigner went for 0-30 in 4 overs.