The fifth and final match of the five-match T20I serie between India and South Africa has been washed off and the series goes level at 2-2. But this series was quite different for Team India who saw some new faces, multiple comebacks and some resurgence.
In the absence of first-choice pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar did a splendid job of spearheading India’s pace attack in the series against South Africa. Bhuvneshwar kept things tight in power-play, proving that he’s still a force to reckon with in the shortest format of the game.
He entered the tournament after picking up 12 wickets in 14 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2022 at an economy rate of 7.34. Moreover, he had been troubled by injuries to his back, hamstring and thigh. But now, it feels like Bhuvneshwar is getting back to his best bowling self.
“Really proud (on getting Player of series award). Doesn’t matter if you are a bowler or batsman. But when you get Man of the Series, it’s always a proud moment, and as a bowler in T20, it’s always even better.”
“Body feels good, but I don’t want to talk much about it. I’m always focused on getting back stronger, whether it’s my bowling or my fitness,” said Bhuvneshwar after the match.
Bhuvneshwar also credited freedom in doing what he wanted in the series to first-time skipper Rishabh Pant. “I’ve been lucky that the captain has given me the full hand and said do what you want. In that regard, I’ve been pretty blessed.”
