Happy Birthday Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has established himself as a key player for India in the last few years. In the recently concluded Test series against South Africa, the 'Swing King' not only contributed with the ball but his gritty knocks with the bat helped India secure a victory in the third Test. As he turns 28 here are some lesser known facts about the cricketer.
Only player to dismiss Sachin on domestic cricket duck
Sachin Tendulkar is one of the finest cricketers to have graced the sport. Arguably the greatest batsman, Sachin was bowled out on duck just once in his entire Ranji Trophy career. In 2009, Sachin was caught at short midwicket on a duck against Uttar Pradesh for his first and only duck. A 19-year-old, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the bowler.
Master Blaster wishes swing ace
Memorable T20I and ODI debut
Today, Bhuvi is the 'Swing King' but he gave us a glimpse of his ability very early in his career. Bhuvi made his T20I debut for India in 2012 against Pakistan and dismissed Nasir Jamshed in the very first over. 5 days later, on his ODI debut he knocked the bails off Mohammad Hafeez stumps with his very first delivery in the format.
Sets record with the bat on Test debut
Despite his impressive start to his limited-overs career, Test cricket was not very kind to Bhuvi, who made his debut against Australia in 2013 at Chennai. He went wicket-less in the entire match. In fact, his maiden Test wicket came in the second innings of his second Test match. But on his debut, he scored 38-runs, highest by number 10 Indian batsman on debut.
Man of the series during 2014 tour of England
If you think Bhuvi was impressive against South Africa in the Test series, let me remind you, this was not his best overseas performance During the tour of England in 2014, Bhuvi bagged 19 wickets including two 5 wicket hauls and scored 247 runs including 3 fifties. He was India's best performer on tour and returned home with the 'Man of the Series' award.
IPL's purple cap holder
Apart from his ability to pick wickets, Bhuvi is also economical. In ODIs, his economy is under 5 and is one of the best death over bowlers. In the IPL, he has an economy of 7.08 and is 6th on the all-time list of highest wicket-takers. In the last two editions of the tournament, he has been the proud holder of the purple cap.
