Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes Bhuvneshwar Kumar isn’t at the peak of his fitness in the ongoing IPL 2021, which could be a cause of concern for Team India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Kumar looked at his absolute best in the limited-overs series against England before the first phase of the IPL 2021.
However, the swing fast bowler could not deliver the goods in the series against Sri Lanka. Kumar hasn’t looked at his best in the second phase of IPL 2021 as he has failed to deliver the goods for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh has managed only five wickets in the 10 matches he has played for Orange Army at a paltry average of 62 and an economy rate of 8.15 in the ongoing season.
Kumar hasn’t been able to get the swing in the powerplay overs and he hasn’t been right on the money with his line and length in the death overs.
Sanjay Manjrekar said while talking to ESPN Cricinfo, “When Bhuvi made his comeback during the home series against England, he was given assurances that he’s back in his prime form again. But, then in Sri Lanka, it seemed like he’s not a hundred percent fit. Again, in the ongoing IPL, we can clearly see that he’s not at the peak of his fitness. This is the only for his underwhelming form currently because you can’t criticize him for his bowling. He’s speed has dipped a bit now. Trent Boult is in a similar situation, where his pace has also taken a hit.”
Meanwhile, Bhuvneshwar Kumar played his 100th match for Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday against KKR. However, the experienced bowler went wicketless however he bowled economically and conceded only 20 runs in his quota of four overs.
Kumar has all the experience under his belt and he will look to turn the tables in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Uttar Pradesh bowler has the weapons in his armory and he will aim to bounce back stronger. Kumar is going to hold the key for the Indian team in the forthcoming T20 World Cup and he will need to be at his best.
SRH will play their next match against RCB at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
