Don't blame fifth bowler: Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Thiruvananthapuram: The recurring subject of India’s ‘fifth bowler’ came up for discussion on the eve of the deciding T20I here on Monday. While Ashish Nehra’s testimonial demanded a five-man attack in Delhi it was a matter of trying out a fresh hand in Mohammed Siraj, in Rajkot.

As the pressure is being turned up on Team India to try a more aggressive batting pick for the crucial tie on Monday Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a mainstay in Virat Kohli’s bowling unit, couldn’t help but wonder why it was even a concern.

“We can’t blame the fifth bowler,” said Bhuvneshwar. “We did well against Australia and the West Indies doing the same.”

India had stuck to a four plus one formula (four specialists, one all-rounder) throughout the three-match ODI series but the plan was altered coming into the shorter format and they have had mixed responses.

But Kumar said there were no concerns in that regard. “Sometimes it is the main bowler who doesn’t do well and the others chip in so there is no worries with the team combination.”

Jasprit Bumrah and Kumar have struck a formidable partnership and the latter believes it is down to working in tandem rather than focussing on individual skills alone.

“We complement each other and we always discuss strategies prior to a match. His action troubles batsmen but he’s also improved a lot with yorkers and slow balls,” said the 27-year-old, hailing his junior teammate as his source of motivation.

While Colin Munro remains target no. 1 for India’s bowlers after the southpaw smashed his second T20I ton of the year, becoming the only batsman to do so, Kumar says they were equally respectful of the batting depth in the Kiwi side.

“It is not just Colin Munro who is dangerous, they have Guptill, Kane Williamson and others. Over all they are a very good team.”