Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has put his weight behind under-fire Bhuvneshwar Kumar to deliver the goods for the team. Kumar conceded 52 runs in the four overs he bowled against Australia in the first T20I at the IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali.

The experienced seamer conceded 16 runs in the penultimate over he bowled and he hasn’t been at his best while bowling in the death overs in the recent past. Kumar had conceded 19 runs in the 19th over against Pakistan in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup and gave away 14 runs against Sri Lanka in the second last over of the innings.

Moreover, the fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh was taken for runs in the PowerPlay overs as well by Australian openers – Aaron Finch and Cameron Green.

However, Kumar has been a consistent performer for India over the years and Hayden has backed him to bounce back stronger in the upcoming matches. Kumar has an economy rate of 6.96, which is excellent in the shortest format of the game.

“I disagree with that,” Matthew Hayden said if Bhuvneshwar is not skillful enough to bowl the death overs for India.

“I think he can and has been a very good finisher. I think that is his role. I mean, obviously, his role is to take wickets up front but if your skipper wants an over or two from you at the end, then he can do that,” Hayden said while speaking on Star Sports show ‘Match Point’.

Bhuvneshwar has all the experience under his belt and he is going to hold the key for India in the death overs in the upcoming T20 World Cup along with Jasprit Bumrah.

On the other hand, Harshal Patel was also expensive as he conceded 49 runs in his quota of four overs in the first T20I against Australia. India and Australia will play the second T20I at Nagpur on Friday.