Shane Bond backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar to trouble New Zealand with swing
Shane Bond said Bhuvneshwar Kumar's swing with the new ball will challenge New Zealand on home pitches despite his expensive first outing.
Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond expects Bhuvneshwar Kumar to pose problems for his former team in the T20I series starting Thursday. Bond said the veteran pacer's ability to extract movement with the new ball will be a challenge on New Zealand pitches.
Bhuvneshwar returned to India's T20I side after nearly four years and conceded 49 runs in four overs without a wicket in the first match at Christchurch. Royal Challengers Bengaluru coach Dinesh Karthik attributed the expensive figures partly to nerves and two no-balls.
Bond noted that conditions in New Zealand should suit Bhuvneshwar more than flat Indian pitches where he still managed to swing the ball. The second T20I will be played at Hagley Oval on Saturday.
CricHubb Take
Bhuvneshwar's experience and ability to swing the ball remain valuable assets even at 36, provided India manage his workload and accept that his best days may now come in shorter bursts rather than four-over spells.